He warned many people are missing out on extra DWP support
Martin Lewis issued some tips on his BBC podcast(Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has called on state pensioners to investigate whether they qualify for extra DWP payments. The consumer champion encouraged elderly Britons to examine their entitlement to a “fundamentally underclaimed” benefit, with hundreds of thousands believed to be losing out.
Sharing his thoughts on his BBC podcast, Mr Lewis discussed Pension Credit, which can deliver more than £4,000 annually in additional help. The benefit supplements your weekly income to reach a guaranteed minimum level. But it also unlocks eligibility for numerous other forms of Government assistance.
Mr Lewis highlighted one case where a claimant had secured a modest income boost through the programme. Yet the extra benefits they became entitled to resulted in savings of more than £3,000 off their annual bills. He pointed to some concerning figures: “The latest stats are still over 900,000 of 2.3 million people who are eligible aren’t claiming it.
“As it’s just been increased for the new tax year, even more people are now eligible, some who weren’t before.” The benefit is available to people of state pension age on a low income. You do not need to be receiving your state pension to access the support.
How much is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit increases your income to £238 weekly for individual claimants and up to £363.25 weekly if you’re part of a couple. You might receive additional amounts based on your circumstances, such as an extra £86.05 weekly if you have a severe disability or an extra £48.15 weekly if you care for another adult.
Being on the benefit unlocks a wealth of additional assistance, including council tax reductions, help towards NHS expenses, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and above. Mr Lewis recounted the story of a married couple, both drawing the state pension, who had significantly gained from these additional entitlements.
State Pensioners to face major tax changeMore than £3,000 savings
Their income top-up amounted to just £6.10 per week, or slightly more than £300 annually. Yet the financial gains didn’t end there. The wife revealed: “This opened up benefits.
“Due to the application being backdated to when I applied, I didn’t have any council tax to pay this year, a saving of £2,500 a year. Add to this a free TV licence, Warm Home Discount and lower water bill, this has resulted in a saving of over £3,000 a year.”
She said that these substantial savings had provided enormous relief from their financial pressures. She went on to say: “This has made such a difference to my husband and me, with less worry over the cost of living.
“I’m still budgeting very carefully, but with less pressure and anxiety.” The wife urged people not to let pride stand in the way of claiming the support.
She said: “My husband and I worked as a self-employed plasterer and me as a receptionist. We had worked hard to buy our own property and had only one child. We’d never apply for benefits, how many are in a similar position.
State pensioners have been urged to check if they could claim Pension Credit(Image: Getty)
“I regret to say that I’m too embarrassed to tell my friends that I’m in receipt of these benefits but please keep impressing on your viewers their rights and urge them to apply. I know the forms online are a little daunting but I’m sure family or a trusted friend would help.”
Big message
Moved by the couple’s happy experience, Mr Lewis said: “That’s my big message. Pension Credit isn’t just about the money you get itself. It is the core gateway to so many other things.
“Free TV licence if you’re over 75, housing benefit if you’re a renter, council tax deductions, free dental treatment, reduced prescriptions, glasses and contact lenses. It’s absolutely crucial people know if they are eligible or not.”
Mr Lewis offered a general rule of thumb for determining whether you might be entitled to claim and whether it’s worth investigating further. He explained that single individuals with a total weekly income below £238 are “likely” to qualify for the benefit.
Those earning slightly more, but whose weekly income falls below £250, are told it is “definitely worth checking to see” whether they could be entitled to the support. For couples, if your joint income falls below £363 weekly, Mr Lewis indicated you are “very likely” to qualify.
Should your combined weekly earnings be under £380, it’s certainly worthwhile verifying your eligibility. You can find out whether you qualify by using the Pension Credit calculator available on the Government website.