However, all pensioners are encouraged to check their eligibility as Pension Credit is one of the most underclaimed DWP benefits. This can be done using the Government’s Pension Credit calculator.

In 2021, approximately 3.3 million people over the age of 65 were living alone in England and Wales, according to the Office for National Statistics. In Scotland, around 337,000 single pensioner households were recorded.

As the change of seasons approaches, these households will face increased energy bills due to the colder weather, but with only a single income, it becomes more challenging to make ends meet. This makes the support all the more crucial for thousands of households.

Nearly 1.4 million people across Great Britain are already claiming the support, which provides an income top-up worth an average of £4,300. However, it also serves as a gateway benefit, granting successful claimants access to a range of other discounts, benefits and assistance.

This could encompass assistance with housing expenses, council tax, and access to seasonal aid such as Winter Fuel Payments. Even a small award of £1 could be worth significantly more through these additional benefits, which is why the government is encouraging people to check their eligibility and ensure they’re not missing out on vital support.

There are some common misconceptions about the benefit that deter people from claiming what they’re entitled to, including the belief that having savings or owning property will disqualify them. However, Pension Credit eligibility primarily depends on your weekly income.

If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments, your eligibility won’t be impacted. If your savings exceed this amount, every additional £500 will be considered as £1 of weekly income.

Pension Credit comes in two forms – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Credit, single pensioners must have a weekly income of £227.10 or less. For those with a partner, their combined income must be £346.60 or less per week.

The benefit will then boost your weekly income to this level. You may still be eligible for the benefit if your income exceeds this, provided you have a disability, are caring for someone, or have housing costs.

To qualify for the Savings Credit, you must have reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, or have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it. Additionally, you need to have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple.

The Savings Credit can provide up to £17.30 a week for a single person and £19.36 a week for a couple. The Gov.uk website offers a Pension Credit calculator that allows anyone to check their eligibility for the benefit and how much they could potentially be entitled to.