Martin Lewis reveals nearly 800,000 Brits could claim hundreds in free cash – here’s how to apply

MARTIN Lewis has warned 800,000 Brits they could be entitled to claim thousands of pounds.

The MSE highlighted one benefit that is “critically underclaimed” despite it offering an average boost of £3,900 to eligible claimants’ incomes per year.

Speaking on his Martin Lewis Money Show tonight, he ran through the main points of Rachel Reeves’ 2024 Autumn Budget yesterday.

One decision that sparked fury among pensioners was the Winter Fuel Payment cut.

Up until now, every pensioner received a £300 payment to help with their bills but this boost has now become means tested.

Rachel Reeves said on Good Morning Britain today: “Because of our commitment to the triple lock, we were able to announce that the new State Pension will rise by just over £470 by next April.”

The Chancellor confirmed that both the old and new State Pension are set to rise by 4.1% on 6 April 2025.

This is what is known as the ‘triple lock’ guarantee.

It means those on the full New State Pension, anyone who started receiving their pension from 2016, will see their weekly pension rise from £221.20 to £230.25.

Meanwhile, those on the Old State Pension, from before 2016, will see a weekly rise from £169.50 to £176.45.

But, Martin Lewis highlighted that while the Chancellor advertised pensioners will be seeing an extra £470 in their accounts amid a £300 Winter Fuel Payment cut – three quarters of pensioners are actually on the Old State Pension and will not see that level of money.

The MSE urged the 800,000 pensioners who are eligible to Pension Credit to apply immediately.

He said: “Three quarters of pensioners are on the Old State Pension, they see £360, plus this is those who get the full amount.

“Millions of the poorest don’t have this, so their rise will be lower.

“What is the protection here? Pension Credit.”

The Pension Credit threshold will go up to £227 per week from £218, or £347 for a couple.

Rachel Reeves added on GMB: “We’re protecting the poorest pensioners, those who are on Pension Credit.”

However, Martin Lewis responded on his show tonight and said: “Around 800,000 people eligible don’t claim this. It is critically underclaimed.

“Protecting the poorest pensioners through Pension Credit – with the 240 question form, the people many with early on-set dementia who don’t claim – we are not protecting 800,000 of them.

“I just want to say if you know someone on the State Pension on a very low income, they’ve lost their Cost of Living payment, they’ve lost Winter Fuel Payment, please get them to check if they’re eligible for Pension Credit.”

The MSE has a handy 10-minute benefits check that could help.

The Guarantee Element of Pension Credit is also set rise by 4.1% from April 2025 which works out to an annual increase of £465 for single pensioners, or £710 for couples.

Pension Credit can boost a weekly income to £218.15, equalling £11,343.80 annually, or up to £332.95 for couples, totalling £17,313.40 a year.

There can also be an extra cash for those with extenuating circumstances, such as disabilities or caring roles.

WINTER FUEL PAYMENT CHANGE

Winter Fuel Payment is now a means-tested benefit.

Starting this winter you’ll only be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment if you’re:

• Over State Pension age; AND
• Receiving one of the following benefits:- Income Support;
  – Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance;
  – Income-related Employment and Support Allowance;
  – Pension Credit; or
  – Universal Credit (for example, through a joint claim with your partner).

These changes will apply across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Mr Lewis also encouraged anyone who is struggling but may not be entitled to Pension Credit to check with their local council to see if they’re eligible for the Household Support Fund.