List of people entitled to DWP Pension Credit boost of up to £332

Pensioners across the UK could be entitled to extra financial support - that could open a wide range of perks. Pension Credit, a benefit specifically designed to provide additional financial support for older people on low incomes, is currently the most under-claimed.

Nearly 1.4 million senior residents across the nation, are presently receiving this means-tested benefit, which could offer nearly £4,000 in extra support during the upcoming year. Despite this, recent data from the DWP indicates that there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they're entitled to.

The means-tested benefit can also grant the opportunity to access even further assistance with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax. More people who may be eligible are being encouraged to apply as an award of just £1 per week can unlock other forms of support. Here's an overview of Pension Credit, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

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Who is eligible for Pension Credit?

Pension Credit comes in two forms: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be of State Pension age (currently 66).

Your weekly income should be less than the minimum amount the UK Government deems necessary for living. This minimum is set at £218.15 for single individuals and £332.95 for couples.

• You have qualifying income of at least £189.80 a week for a single person and £301.22 a week for a couple

• You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it

Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a certain level. You might be eligible for more if you're disabled, a carer, or have certain housing costs.

Savings Credit can provide up to a certain amount. The exact amount you'll receive depends on your income and savings.

Any income from savings and capital over £10,000 is taken into account.

How to check your eligibility

You can check your eligibility for Pension Credit via the government's Pension Credit calculator here.

To use the calculator you'll need details concerning yourself and your partner if applicable when answering some questions included in the calculator:

• Whether someone is paid Carer’s Allowance to look after you

• How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions

• Where in the UK you live

• How much you receive each week for any benefits you get

• Your residential status

• Any savings, investments or bonds you have

• Whether you are registered blind

• Which benefits you currently receive

• Any employment earnings

• Your date of birth

Once you've answered these questions, a summary screen displays your responses, allowing you to go back and alter any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then shows how much benefit you could receive each week.

How to apply

You can start applying for Pension Credit within the four months before you reach the State Pension age and any time after - in this case your claim could be backdated up to three months prior. You will also need the following information on hand before starting the application process:

• Information regarding income, savings, and investments you may have as well as this information dating back to up to three months if you're backdating the claim.

• Your National Insurance Number

• Your bank details

You can apply online through GOV.UK here. Otherwise, you can apply by post by printing out and filling in the Pension Credit claim form and sending it to the DWP Pension Service or call the claim line to request a form.

Full details of the application process can be found here.

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