State pensioners are being handed a £3,900 a year lifeline but many don't know. A surge in Pension Credit claims means thousands are set for a major boost worth almost £3,900 a year from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ).

Between July 2024 and July 2025, applications rose by 44 per cent, with more than 98,000 additional claims submitted compared with the previous year, taking the total to 320,300. Of these, 181,100 claims were approved, a 46 per cent rise on the year before.

Pension Credit is worth £3,900 and unlocks other benefits and perks like free TV licences from the BBC and Royal Mail redistribution costs.

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Stephen Lowe, group communications director at retirement specialist Just Grou

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