DWP writing to pensioners over payments worth up to £952 a month as 900,000 miss out

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is contacting pensioners across the country as part of a renewed drive to increase uptake of Pension Credit, with eligible single claimants able to receive support worth up to £952 a month.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden confirmed the latest letter-writing campaign during a session of the Work and Pensions Committee on Wednesday.

The tax-free, means-tested benefit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £238 for single pensioners, while couples can receive up to £363.25 a week.

Mr McFadden said: "We are always encouraging people to claim the pension credit to which they are entitled."

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He said: "The Committee will know, however, that there have been long-term issues with people underclaiming pension credit and not claiming the help to which they are entitled."

Around 900,000 of Britain's poorest pensioners are estimated to be missing out on the benefit despite being eligible because Pension Credit is not paid automatically.

Committee member John Milne highlighted take-up remains at roughly two-thirds, describing the situation as "a scandal" given the efforts already made to boost claims.

In response, the DWP is pursuing a different approach by targeting family members, friends and neighbours of older people rather than pensioners directly.

The department hopes the strategy will help overcome what officials describe as a barrier of pride discouraging some older people from seeking financial assistance.

Mr McFadden acknowledged the issue, saying: "Some pensioners I know are proud and they do not want to ask for help, but I would say to people, 'It's there for you'."

Previous awareness campaigns featuring well-known figures have produced positive results, with the late Len Goodman fronting an initiative that increased take-up.

Sir Peter Schofield, permanent secretary at the DWP, said: "We have found that it is more effective to have advocates who people recognise and can aspire to."

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He added: "A previous campaign encouraging relatives to 'think about your loved one' successfully tackled the pride issue."

Sir Peter said 120,000 letters had been sent to pension-age housing benefit recipients as part of this cross-checking exercise, which has now become routine practice.

Over the past 12 months, the number of Pension Credit claimants has increased by 34,000.

Mr McFadden urged anyone who believes they may qualify for the benefit to submit an application.

He said: "Let me take every opportunity, including this one, to encourage anyone watching to apply if they might be entitled to pension credit.

"They have nothing to lose by applying.

"I encourage every pensioner who thinks that they might be able to access this help to take it up.

"It is theirs as a right."

Sir Peter stressed improving take-up rates would require wider support from society.

He said: "I think it is a society thing for us all to be thinking about older people - our loved ones, our friends and neighbours - and thinking about what we can do for people who are perhaps not aware of what they are entitled to."

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