Source: DWP official statistics, FYE 2024The majority of pensioners never claim everything they're entitled to.
Approximately 910,000 households eligible for Pension Credit failed to claim it last year, missing out on roughly £4,300 per year on average — and that's before Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Attendance Allowance are factored in. Our free check shows you exactly where you stand.
Takes about 2 minutes. No paperwork. No commitment.
Why do so many families miss out on what they're owed?
DWP data consistently identifies key barriers: lack of awareness, system complexity, and unwarranted stigma. None of these reflect on you.
Benefits most commonly left unclaimed
These are the most frequently missed entitlements. Many are linked — claiming one can automatically unlock others.
Pension Credit
Tops up your weekly income if you have reached State Pension age and are on a low income. Worth on average £4,300/year — yet nearly a million families miss out.
Average award: £4,300/year
Unlocks multiple other benefitsAttendance Allowance
For people over State Pension age who need help with personal care due to illness or disability. Not means-tested — your savings don't matter.
Up to £5,959/yearCouncil Tax Reduction
If you receive Pension Credit, you may qualify for a full Council Tax Reduction. Even without it, local schemes offer significant reductions based on income.
Up to £2,000/yearCarer's Allowance
If you provide at least 35 hours of care per week to someone receiving a qualifying disability benefit, you may be entitled to Carer's Allowance.
£4,495/year (2026/27 rate)Warm Home Discount
A £150 annual reduction on your electricity bill. If you receive Pension Credit, it is applied automatically. Others may need to apply via their supplier.
£150/yearFree NHS Dental & Eye Tests
If you're on Pension Credit, you receive free NHS dental treatment, eye tests, and a voucher towards glasses. A valuable but often overlooked entitlement.
£200+/year valueFree Benefits Check
Answer 7 quick questions. We'll show you which benefits you may be entitled to and an estimated annual amount.
Who are we checking benefits for?
We'll tailor your results to the right circumstances.
What is your approximate weekly income?
Include your State Pension, any private/work pension, and any employment earnings.
BackHow much do you have in savings and investments?
Include bank accounts, ISAs, NS&I bonds. Your home and pension pot don't count.
BackWhat is your housing situation?
Housing costs affect several benefits, including Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit.
BackDo you have any health conditions or caring responsibilities?
This helps us identify Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance eligibility.
BackWhat benefits do you currently receive?
This helps us focus on gaps rather than benefits you already have.
BackBased on your answers. These are estimates — actual amounts depend on a full assessment by the DWP.
💡 Good to know: Pension Credit claims can be backdated up to 3 months from the date you apply. Attendance Allowance starts from the date your claim is received — so the sooner you apply, the sooner payments begin.
Book your free 20-minute consultation
One of our advisers will go through your full entitlements with you — no forms, no obligation, just clarity on what you're owed.
ℹ️ About this service: Beacon Entitlements is a private lead generation service (Greenfield Advisory Services Ltd, Co. No. 14287651). We are not the DWP or a government agency. Your details will be used to arrange a callback from a specialist adviser.
No payment required. No obligation. We call you.
Start check againThank you! Your consultation is booked.
One of our specialist advisers will contact you shortly at the time you selected. If you have any questions in the meantime, call us free on 0800 123 4567.
How it works
From your first question to a confirmed claim — three clear steps
Take the free check
Seven straightforward questions give you a personalised benefits estimate based on your own circumstances — not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Speak to an adviser
A specialist adviser rings you at a time that works for you, confirms your eligibility for each benefit, and answers every question — no jargon.
We support your claim
We help you prepare what's needed and walk you through each step. You deal directly with the DWP — we make sure nothing is missed.
Example entitlement calculations
Based on published DWP benefit rates for 2025/26. Actual entitlements depend on individual circumstances.
Single pensioner, low income
State Pension income of £175/week. Pension Credit threshold: £238.00/week (2026/27). Potential top-up: ~£63/week, plus gateway entitlements — Council Tax Reduction, Warm Home Discount and Winter Fuel Payment.
Pensioner with a health condition
Over State Pension age and needing help with personal care due to illness or disability. Attendance Allowance is not means-tested — income and savings do not affect eligibility. Higher rate: £114.60/week.
Couple — one partner needs care
Where one partner receives Attendance Allowance, the other may qualify for Carer's Allowance (£86.45/week, subject to earnings limit of £204/week net). Caring responsibilities can also increase Pension Credit.
Thousands of pounds a year — already yours by law
According to DWP figures, around 910,000 households entitled to Pension Credit didn't claim it last year. The benefits check takes under 2 minutes and is completely free.
Check My Benefits — Free
No obligation. We call you. Pension Credit can be backdated up to 3 months.
Why people use Beacon Entitlements
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GDPR Compliant
Your data is protected. We never sell your information and only contact you with your consent.
No Obligation
The check is completely free. Our initial consultation is free. You decide if you want further help.
Personal Guidance
A specialist adviser calls you at a time that suits you and walks through your full entitlements, step by step.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The benefits check and the initial consultation call are completely free with no obligation. You decide whether you want additional assistance after the call. We explain any costs clearly before you proceed.
Absolutely. Benefit rules change every year, and eligibility changes as circumstances change. Many people who were turned down in the past now qualify. Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit eligibility in particular often changes as health and income change over time. You can make a new claim every year even after a previous rejection.
Not necessarily. Attendance Allowance has no savings limit. For Pension Credit, savings under £10,000 are disregarded entirely. Between £10,000 and £16,000, savings reduce your entitlement gradually. Above £16,000 they affect means-tested benefits — but non-means-tested benefits like Attendance Allowance are unaffected.
Pension Credit typically takes 4–6 weeks to process and can be backdated up to 3 months from the date of your application — meaning if you qualify, you may receive a lump sum for the backdated period. Attendance Allowance decisions usually arrive within 12 weeks, but payments can only start from the date your claim is received. There is no backdating on Attendance Allowance, so it is important to apply without delay.
Claiming Pension Credit can unlock additional entitlements — this is why it is referred to as a "gateway benefit". Once you receive Pension Credit, you may also qualify for: a Council Tax Reduction (potentially up to 100%), Housing Benefit (if renting), free NHS dental treatment and eye tests, glasses vouchers, the Warm Home Discount (£150, applied automatically), Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, and a free TV licence if you are 75 or over. Our adviser will explain which of these apply in your specific situation.