Campaigners warn that ‘shameful numbers’ of older people are missing out on payments
Charities warn that needy pensioners are missing out on support they are entitled to (Image: Getty)
Pensioners are missing out on billions of pounds of support they are entitled to, campaigners have warned. A new report by Age UK and Independent Age has unveiled a blueprint for the Government aimed at increasing take-up of key benefits.
Figures show that millions of older households are missing out on support, with up to £2.4 billion in pension credit, £5.2 billion in attendance allowance, £2.4 billion in carer’s allowance and £1.3 billion in housing benefit unclaimed.
The report highlighted barriers holding people back, including long and complicated forms and digital exclusion. And the charities argued that the income boost could mean the difference between heating and eating for OAPs on the breadline.
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Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson said: “It is a sign of a failing social security system that the very people it was designed to support don’t receive the financial help they are entitled to.
“Billions of pounds of support is not reaching eligible households to help them cope with spiralling costs – from heating and water to food and rent.
“People should not have to overcome a maze of complex forms, confusing information or digital barriers to receive the financial support they are entitled to.
“A UK Government take-up strategy would bring together existing efforts, address gaps in support and prove to older people on a low income that there is a clear plan for delivering lasting change.
“It’s time to fix the holes in the social security safety net that we should all be able to rely on.”
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams added: “Shameful numbers of older people who are eligible for a range of means-tested and health-related benefits that could transform their lives continue to miss out, and as a society we have arguably accepted this depressing state of affairs as though there is nothing, we can do to change it.
“If the political resolve is there such a strategy could make a real difference.”
The report makes four recommendations including increasing awareness and understanding of eligibility, simplifying application processes, streamlining and integrating systems, and increasing access to advice and support.
Some 1.7 million pensioners are living in poverty in the UK, with another one million on the brink, according to official figures.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are working hard to get benefits to those who are entitled to them. Our biggest-ever pension credit take-up campaign meant that an additional 33,500 pension credit awards were made in 2025.
“Reaching into communities, our £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund can be used by councils to run schemes such as benefit support checks so everyone knows what they’re entitled to.
“Recent statistics show pensioner poverty rates falling since 2021/22 as we prioritise efforts to help more pensioners access the support they need.”
Campaigners warn that ‘shameful numbers’ of older people are missing out on payments
Charities warn that needy pensioners are missing out on support they are entitled to (Image: Getty)
Pensioners are missing out on billions of pounds of support they are entitled to, campaigners have warned. A new report by Age UK and Independent Age has unveiled a blueprint for the Government aimed at increasing take-up of key benefits.
Figures show that millions of older households are missing out on support, with up to £2.4 billion in pension credit, £5.2 billion in attendance allowance, £2.4 billion in carer’s allowance and £1.3 billion in housing benefit unclaimed.
The report highlighted barriers holding people back, including long and complicated forms and digital exclusion. And the charities argued that the income boost could mean the difference between heating and eating for OAPs on the breadline.
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You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info.
Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson said: “It is a sign of a failing social security system that the very people it was designed to support don’t receive the financial help they are entitled to.
“Billions of pounds of support is not reaching eligible households to help them cope with spiralling costs – from heating and water to food and rent.
“People should not have to overcome a maze of complex forms, confusing information or digital barriers to receive the financial support they are entitled to.
“A UK Government take-up strategy would bring together existing efforts, address gaps in support and prove to older people on a low income that there is a clear plan for delivering lasting change.
“It’s time to fix the holes in the social security safety net that we should all be able to rely on.”
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams added: “Shameful numbers of older people who are eligible for a range of means-tested and health-related benefits that could transform their lives continue to miss out, and as a society we have arguably accepted this depressing state of affairs as though there is nothing, we can do to change it.
“If the political resolve is there such a strategy could make a real difference.”
The report makes four recommendations including increasing awareness and understanding of eligibility, simplifying application processes, streamlining and integrating systems, and increasing access to advice and support.
Some 1.7 million pensioners are living in poverty in the UK, with another one million on the brink, according to official figures.
A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are working hard to get benefits to those who are entitled to them. Our biggest-ever pension credit take-up campaign meant that an additional 33,500 pension credit awards were made in 2025.
“Reaching into communities, our £1 billion Crisis and Resilience Fund can be used by councils to run schemes such as benefit support checks so everyone knows what they’re entitled to.
“Recent statistics show pensioner poverty rates falling since 2021/22 as we prioritise efforts to help more pensioners access the support they need.”