DWP benefit worth £3900 is being missed by 880,000 older couples on lower incomes

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently updated the income thresholds for the current financial year. This means that if you're a single person on the New State Pension with a total weekly income below £218.15, or part of a couple with combined weekly incomes of less than £332.95, you may be eligible for Pension Credit.

Likewise, if you're over 65 and reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, you may still qualify for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than £260.68 if you're single or £380.55 if you're part of a couple. This equates to an annual income of £13555 or £19788 respectively.

Currently, nearly 1.4 million older people across Great Britain are receiving this means-tested benefit. It could provide an average of £3,900 in support during the upcoming year. However, the latest figures from the DWP suggest there are still 880,000 eligible pensioners not claiming the benefit they are entitled to, reports the Daily Record.

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Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible for the means-tested benefit, which can also provide access to help with housing costs, heating bills and Council Tax.

An award of just £1 per week is enough to unlock other support.

Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples. It is a tax-free payment for those who:

Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here.

Alternatively, pensioners can contact the