Thousands of pensioners are being urged to check if they could be entitled to extra help worth £3,900 a year.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show 800,000 people could be missing out on Pension Credit. Independent Age says the actual amount could slightly higher at potentially 1.2million households missing out.

Campaigners are now sounding the alarm for low income pension households to check their eligibility ahead of major changes to future Winter Fuel Payments, which are worth up to £300 but will now only be available to households claiming means-tested benefits.

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15, or to £332.95 if you’re in a couple. But as well as giving you extra income, you'll also unlock other perks such as free dental treatment and vouchers for glasses or contact lenses, or a free TV licence if you're over the age of 75.

Pension Credit - who is eligible?

Pension Credit comes in two parts. The Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £218.15 if you're single, 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 if you have a higher income and you have a severe disability, you're a carer, or you have to pay housing costs, such as a mortgage.

If you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have savings or a second pension, you may be eligible for the savings credit element of Pension Credit. This is worth £17.01 a week if you're single, or £19.04 a week if you're in a couple. You might get additional payments if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.

Pension Credit - what else am I entitled to?

Pension Credit also means you could become eligible for other discounts and freebies. We've highlighted some examples below of the help you may be able to claim:

  • Winter Fuel Payment – worth up to £300 a year
  • Free TV licence for over-75s – worth £169.50 a year
  • Council tax reduction – worth £1,000s
  • Warm Home Discount – worth £150 a year
  • Housing Benefit – worth £1,000s
  • Cold weather payments – £25 a week in winter
  • Free home insulation and boiler grants – worth £100s or £1,000s
  • Free dental treatment –worth £100s or £1,000s
  • Voucher for glasses/contact lenses – worth £39 to £215
  • Water bill discount - worth £100s or £1,000s
  • Cheaper broadband - worth £100s

Pension Credit - how do I apply?

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.

You will also need the following information on you before applying:

  • Your National Insurance number
  • Information about any income, savings and investments you have
  • Information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached state pension age)
  • Your bank, building society or credit union account details