Thousands of married pensioner couples entitled to DWP payments worth £4,300 a year - can you claim?

The Department for Work and Pensions is urging pensioners to check whether they are eligible for Pension Credit, a benefit worth an average of £4,300 a year.

Around 760,000 pensioners across Great Britain who are entitled to the payment have not yet claimed it. Couples with a combined weekly income below £363.25 may qualify, while single pensioners with weekly income under £238 should also check their eligibility.

The means-tested benefit is designed to top up income to these levels and is currently claimed by nearly 1.4 million pensioners across the country.

Many older people wrongly assume that having savings or owning their property automatically rules them out from receiving support.

However, the DWP says this is not always the case and is encouraging pensioners to check before dismissing a claim.

Qualifying for Pension Credit can also unlock a range of additional help, including support with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

Importantly, pensioners do not need to receive a large award to benefit. Even those entitled to just £1 a week can gain access to these extra forms of financial support.

Savings of £10,000 or less have no impact on eligibility. For those with more, each £500 above this threshold counts as just £1 of weekly income.

The DWP has confirmed that close to 78 per cent of new applications are processed within the target timeframe of 50 working days, equivalent to 10 weeks.

This covers the entire journey from submitting a claim to receiving the decision letter.

For pensioners on limited incomes who apply during May, this timeline means initial payments and any backdated sums could arrive by August.

Claims can be backdated by up to three months, allowing eligible applicants to receive this money in their first payment if they qualified during that period.

Applications can begin up to four months before reaching State Pension age.

Pensioners can quickly determine their eligibility using the online Pension Credit calculator available on GOV.UK. Alternatively, the dedicated helpline on 0800 99 1234 operates from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Organisations including Independent Age, Income Max, Citizens Advice and Age UK can also provide guidance.

Qualifying for Pension Credit unlocks a range of additional support. This includes Housing Benefit for renters, Support for Mortgage Interest for homeowners, and Council Tax discounts.

Those aged 75 and over become entitled to a free TV licence.

Further assistance covers NHS dental treatment, glasses, hospital transport costs, and heating support through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.