DWP sending letters to thousands who could be missing out on £3,500 boost

The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) is sending letters to two thousand people inviting them to apply for support which could top up their pension income.

Letters are being sent out as part of a new trail targeting people who are likely to be eligible for pension credit. The scheme is targeting households in 10 local authorities, where people are already receiving housing benefit but not claiming pension credit.

Some people could see their income boosted by thousands of pounds if they manage to make a successful claim. The average pension credit award is worth more than £3,500 per year.

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Letters and “call to action” leaflets will be sent out in two waves, with the first being sent out this week. A follow-up letter will then be sent out in August.

State pension is received by nearly 1.4 million pensioners across Britain. The benefit tops up someone’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples, or potentially more if someone has a disability or caring responsibilities.

Pensions minister Laura Trott said: “We recognise the challenges some pensioners will be facing with the cost of living, which is why we are easing those pressures with measures like pension credit, alongside driving down inflation.

“Pension credit take-up is at the highest level since 2010, and this trial will help us test even more ways to ensure pensioners are receiving all the support they can.

“Those under pension age can also help by checking in with older loved ones and asking them to consider if they could be eligible for this extra financial support.”

Previous estimates published on the website gov.uk, covering the