Pensioners urged to claim £3,900 before deadline as 750,000 older Britons ‘missing out on support’

Pensioners are being urged to check their eligibility for Pension Credit before December 21 to ensure they do not miss out on vital winter support worth an average of £3,900 per year.

The call comes as new research from Royal London reveals widespread reluctance among older people to seek financial assistance, even when entitled to it.

Pension Credit serves as a gateway benefit, providing access to additional support including help with NHS dental treatment, energy bills through the Winter Fuel Payment, prescriptions and housing costs.

Those who wish to qualify for this winter’s Winter Fuel Payment must submit their Pension Credit application before the December deadline. New findings show that 53 per cent of pensioners don’t like to ask for support or help from friends or family, even when they need it.

Over a third of pensioners find asking for help uncomfortable, according to the research from Royal London’s Take The Credit campaign. This reluctance has led to 40 per cent of those over state pension age not checking if they qualify for Pension Credit.

The hesitancy spans income levels, with 45 per cent of those on mid-to-higher incomes not checking their eligibility. More concerning is that 31 per cent of low-income pensioners haven’t verified whether they qualify for the benefit.

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Among those who have been told they are eligible, 11% still haven’t applied for Pension Credit. Only two per cent intend to apply before the Winter Fuel Payment deadline, indicating significant resistance to the application process.

The research reveals that three-quarters (75 per cent) of UK pensioners who haven’t checked their eligibility believe they wouldn’t qualify for Pension Credit. A further 10 per cent think there are people who require more financial assistance than they do.

The terminology around such benefits appears to be a significant barrier, with 16 per cent saying they would be more likely to apply if it wasn’t described as a benefit. The same percentage admitted they would feel embarrassed to tell their loved ones if they were to apply for Pension Credit.

These findings, part of Royal London’s Take The Credit campaign, highlight how stigma and misconceptions may be preventing many pensioners from accessing vital financial support.

Sarah Pennells, consumer finance specialist at Royal London, said: “The Government’s decision around the Winter Fuel payments has brought into sharp focus the importance of applying for Pension Credit. Not only does it give pensioners on a low income extra money, but it entitles them to extra help with, for example, energy and housing costs.”

She added: “However, too many pensioners – approximately three quarters of a million – are still missing out on this financial support.”

“Some of the main reasons people miss out on Pension Credit are because they don’t think they would qualify, or they don’t check because they feel too ashamed to admit they need extra help. We need to spread the message that there is no shame in accepting help that is available,” she explained.

Psychologist Emma Kenny offered insight into why many pensioners hesitate to claim their entitlements.

“It seems that many pensioners are missing out on financial support they are entitled to because they feel ashamed or reluctant to ask for help,” she said.

Kenny explained that older generations particularly struggle with seeking assistance: “For many, there’s a stigma around seeking assistance, often rooted in the belief that it’s a sign of failure or that others might need it more.”

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She emphasised that Pension Credit shouldn’t be viewed as a handout: “These schemes aren’t handouts, they’re a recognition of the contributions people have made throughout their lives, these funds could make such a significant difference to someone’s quality of life.”

Pensioners can easily check their eligibility for Pension Credit using a free two-minute calculator on Royal London’s website, powered by charity partner Turn2Us. Applications can also be submitted by telephone or post for those who prefer traditional methods.

Royal London’s Take The Credit campaign aims to empower pensioners to access important financial support they may qualify for.Sarah Pennells emphasised that retirement should be a time for enjoyment: “

Pension Credit can provide some additional funds to enable pensioners to worry a bit less about the day-to-day bills.”

She urged families to take action: “Whether you’re a pensioner, or know someone that might qualify, checking what help may be available is a simple step to take today that could have immeasurable benefits.”