Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) research found that individuals generally didn’t perceive the standards on the level of making use of, with many saying they thought they might “just give it a try”.
Recipients over the age of 75 had typically learnt about Pension Credit by likelihood, whereas individuals aged 66 to 74 have been extra more likely to have heard about it from the DWP. Many respondents didn’t know they have been eligible, or assumed that financial savings, residence possession or a associate’s revenue made them ineligible.
The DWP received 209,735 Pension Credit applications between 24 February 2025 and 22 February 2026 – down 36% on the earlier yr, which means 117,595 fewer applications. This was regardless of a authorities awareness-raising marketing campaign.
Broadstone head of coverage David Brooks stated take-up was “plagued” by attitudinal and awareness points, including: “There are nearly a million families entitled to Pension Credit who are not currently claiming the benefit and getting vital financial support to these people is paramount to support their quality of life in retirement.
“However, following the campaign to raise awareness of Pension Credit when the benefit was linked to the winter fuel payment, it is disappointing to see such a huge drop off in the number of applications this year. We would hope to see continued and urgent efforts to increase awareness and uptake to support more pensioners in need with this additional income.
“The research also fires a salutary warning about potential future efforts to means-test the State Pension demonstrating the risk that, even with the best intentions, those most in need could still miss out on crucial income.”
