**Pensioners in the UK Encouraged to Make Vital Five-Minute DWP Call to Potentially Boost Weekly State Pension by £80**
Hundreds of thousands of older people across the United Kingdom may not be receiving the correct amount in state pension payments, prompting renewed calls from experts and campaign groups to take swift action. A straightforward five-minute phone call to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could see some pensioners increase their weekly income by up to £80, new analysis suggests.
Current figures estimate that as many as 750,000 individuals nationwide could be missing out on vital pension income and related benefits. Despite over 13 million people living above state pension age in the UK, a worrying proportion remain unaware of their entitlement to additional forms of support. This underclaiming is causing widespread concern among advocacy groups and financial experts, as many pensioners face increasing financial pressures amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Several experts now warn that older people often mistakenly believe that once their state pension begins, no further help is available. However, numerous supplementary benefits exist, with Pension Credit at the heart of calls for greater awareness. Not only does Pension Credit top up weekly income, but it also provides access to a raft of ancillary support such as free dental care, council tax discounts, and savings on heating bills.
A spokesperson for Spencer Churchill Claims Advice highlighted the significance of these unclaimed benefits, stating that the average amount a pensioner could secure through Pension Credit alone is in excess of £4,300 annually. “Receiving this credit can open the door to a host of other valuable support measures, easing the financial burden many older people are experiencing,” the representative explained.
Despite the clear advantages, uptake of these entitlements remains stubbornly low. The government has responded by launching public awareness campaigns following controversy over the means-testing of some Winter Fuel Payments. The campaign urges all those drawing a state pension to check their eligibility and contact the DWP to ensure they are not missing out.
“It takes just five minutes on the phone, and the rewards can be immense – for some, it’s an extra £80 every single week,” the Spencer Churchill spokesperson reaffirmed. Pensioners are being reminded that even a brief enquiry could transform their financial position.
Beyond Pension Credit, a suite of other benefits may be available to qualifying state pensioners. These include Attendance Allowance, additional council tax support, Winter Fuel Payments, Cold Weather Payments, War Widow(er)’s Pensions, and free medical services such as eye tests and dental treatments. In addition, various home energy efficiency upgrades, reduced-cost television licences, and more can also be accessed through the correct claims process.
Specialists are eager to reassure retirees that significant benefits can often be unlocked without the need for complex paperwork or daunting means tests. Dean Butler, Managing Director of Standard Life, also stressed the importance of reviewing National Insurance (NI) records, noting that administrative errors or unadjusted changes in personal circumstances can lead to pension underpayments. “Those who spent time raising children should confirm they received the appropriate NI credits,” Butler advised, especially pointing to women whose husbands retired after March 2008 and those aged over 80 who might qualify for higher payments.
Butler further urged Universal Credit claimants to check that their National Insurance credits have been properly tallied, as these directly impact future pension entitlements.
As the campaign gathers momentum, pensioners and their families are being asked to spread the message: claim what you are entitled to, and ensure no one is left short-changed. With just a few minutes spent on the phone with the DWP, thousands of older citizens could see their finances—and their peace of mind—significantly improved.
For more information on eligibility or to initiate a claim, pensioners are encouraged to contact the DWP directly, or seek advice through trusted organisations and helplines. The hope is that with greater awareness and action, unclaimed benefits will become a thing of the past, giving older people the financial security they deserve.