Martin Lewis 'delighted' after being 'swamped' by people claiming £3,900 boost

Martin Lewis issued a call to action after millions of pensioners were told they would no longer be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year

Martin Lewis has said he is "delighted" after being "swamped" with messages from people who have successfully started claiming Pension Credit.

The MoneySavingExpert.com founder issued a call to action after millions of pensioners were told they would no longer be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment this year unless they claim a means-tested benefit, such as Pension Credit. Martin explained how 800,000 people are likely eligible for Pension Credit but are not claiming it. This means they could miss out on their chance to still get the Winter Fuel Payment, which is worth up to £300.

Winter Fuel Payments used to be available to every household where someone is over state pension age. In the MoneySavingExpert.com newsletter published last week, Martin issued a "don't assume" message to pensioners who may not realise they can claim Pension Credit.

He said: "Don't assume it's not you! I'm delighted to say we're swamped with: 'I can't believe it, I was sure we weren't due, but we checked, we are! Thank you' messages.” He continued: "Pension Credit is a critically underclaimed top-up of the state pension for those on lower incomes that I've been urging people to check out for over a decade. On average it's worth £3,900/yr. Yet over 800,000 eligible pensioners likely still miss out.”

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. Your income normally needs to be below these amounts to be eligible, but in some cases, you might still be able to claim - for example, if you have a severe disability or you're a carer.

Martin said: “You can qualify with HIGHER income if you have a disability or illness. An example is those who get Attendance Allowance (AA) - a crucial payment for older people who need help and support with day-to-day activities. If you get it, the income threshold for qualifying for Pension Credit rises by £82/wk (on top of your AA payment, which isn't counted as income).”

You may also still qualify if you have high housing costs, which will also be taken into account when you apply. Martin said: “This means you can qualify if you earn above the standard Pension Credit threshold (and may mean a council tax reduction), and you may be due Housing Benefit or Support for Mortgage Interest.”

Pension Credit also means you could become eligible for other discounts and freebies, including a free TV licence for over-75s, free home insulation and boiler grants, free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses and contact lenses. You'll also be entitled to the Warm Home Discount worth £150 each winter, Cold Weather Payments worth £25, plus discounts on your water bill and cheaper broadband.

You can apply for Pension Credit online on Gov.uk website, by calling 0800 99 1234, or by printing out and filling in a paper application form. You can get a friend or family member to ring for you, but you'll need to be with them when they do.