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761,000 UK Pensioners Miss Out on £24 Billion in Benefits

9/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A report by Policy in Practice indicates that 761,000 pensioner households in the UK miss out on over £9,000 in financial support.
These households do not claim a "gateway benefit" from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Eligible Britons lose an estimated £24 billion annually in unclaimed benefits.
Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit for those over state pension age, averages £2,121 per year.
Additional benefits can raise total support to £9,056, including £4,788 for housing and £1,385 for council tax support.

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Story summary

A report by Policy in Practice indicates that 761,000 pensioner households in the UK miss out on over £9,000 in financial support.
These households do not claim a "gateway benefit" from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
Eligible Britons lose an estimated £24 billion annually in unclaimed benefits.
Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit for those over state pension age, averages £2,121 per year.
Additional benefits can raise total support to £9,056, including £4,788 for housing and £1,385 for council tax support.