UK Extends Pension Credit Awareness Campaign

Nearly 1.4 million pensioners across the United Kingdom are receiving Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit that tops up the State Pension for those with low incomes, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. The department estimates that an additional 760,000 eligible individuals have yet to claim the support, which could provide an average of 4,300 pounds in extra assistance during the 2025-26 financial year. To address this gap, the department is extending its awareness campaign through the end of the current financial year, urging older adults to verify their eligibility and apply.

Pension Credit consists of two main components: Guarantee Credit, which ensures a minimum weekly income of 227.10 pounds for single pensioners or 346.60 pounds for couples, and Savings Credit, available to those who reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, and have modest retirement savings. The benefit is calculated based on total income, including the State Pension, earnings from work, and most government benefits, though certain payments like disability living allowance and housing benefit are excluded. Eligibility extends to those with disabilities, caregivers, or child...