Martin Lewis issues warning to pensioners on less than £380 a week from DWP

Joe Sledge
Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:10:24 +0000

Martin Lewis has urged pensioners to check if they are eligible for a Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit worth thousands of pounds each year.

The MoneySavingExpert founder said retirees on low incomes could qualify for Pension Credit, a means-tested payment designed to top up weekly income.

He said around 900,000 of the UK’s poorest pensioners are not claiming the support despite being entitled to it.

The benefit is worth an average of £4,300 per year and can also unlock additional support including free TV licences and council tax reductions.

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Writing on social media, Mr Lewis said: "Even after all the shenanigans linking the Warm Home Discount to Pension Credit, there are, according to the govt's own figures still 900,000 of the very poorest pensioners (out of 2.3million eligible) missing out on the crucial Pension Credit income top up! It's not good enough."

Pension Credit is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions and is available to people over state pension age on low incomes.

It provides a weekly income top-up and can take into account certain housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.

The benefit increased by 4.8 per cent on April 6 in line with wage growth under the triple lock system.

Single pensioners can receive up to £238 per week, while couples can receive up to £363.25 through the standard minimum guarantee.

The DWP compares an applicant’s income against these thresholds and pays the difference where income falls short.

Mr Lewis shared guidance on who is most likely to qualify.

He said single pensioners earning under £238 per week are likely eligible, while those earning under £255 should still check.

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For couples, those with a combined weekly income under £363 are likely to qualify, while those earning under £380 are encouraged to check eligibility.

Income includes earnings, state and private pensions, and some benefits.

Savings and investments above £10,000 are also taken into account, with every £500 above this level counted as £1 of weekly income.

Some people may still qualify even if their income exceeds these thresholds.

This includes those with disabilities, caring responsibilities or additional housing costs, through elements such as guarantee credit.

The easiest way to apply or check eligibility is via the Government website or by calling 0800 99 1234, with a separate number available for Northern Ireland.

The Government said it is working to increase take-up of the benefit.

Torsten Bell, parliamentary under-secretary of state for pensions, said: "The Government is committed to ensuring that all pensioners, including those in the North West, receive the support to which they are entitled."

He added: "That is why we have been running the biggest ever Pension Credit take-up campaign across Great Britain, promoting Pension Credit to eligible pensioners and their families."

The campaign includes television and radio advertising, social media promotion and digital displays in GP surgeries and Post Offices, alongside coverage in national newspapers and magazines.