The DWP is reviewing selected Pension Credit claims and may ask claimants for recent bank or building society statements. The first £10,000 of savings is disregarded; above that, each £500 or part of £500 counts as £1 a week of assumed income.
TL;DR · LAST REVIEWED 14 September 2026
- The DWP is reviewing selected Pension Credit claims and may ask claimants for recent bank or building society statements. The first £10,000 of savings is disregarded; above that, each £500 or part of £500 counts as £1 a week of assumed income.
KEY FACTS
- Pension Credit tops weekly income up to £238 for a single person and £363.25 for a couple
- First £10,000 of savings and investments is disregarded entirely
- Above £10,000, every £500 or part of £500 counts as £1 a week of assumed income
- The review measure took effect from April 2026 and is planned to run until April 2029
- HM Treasury costs the measure at £370 million across five financial years
- DWP states that being selected for a review does not mean a claimant has done anything wrong
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £238 for a single person and £363.25 for a couple. The review measure took effect from April 2026 and is planned to run until April 2029. HM Treasury costs the measure at £370 million across five financial years.
Why a claim can be selected
A claim can be selected for a range of reasons linked to the information the DWP holds. Selection is routine and does not imply that a claimant has made a mistake or acted improperly. The DWP states that being selected for a review does not mean a claimant has done anything wrong.
Reviews help the DWP confirm that the details on a claim still reflect a claimant's circumstances. The review measure runs alongside the wider administration of Pension Credit.
What claimants are asked to provide
The DWP may ask for recent bank or building society statements as part of a review. The exact documents requested are set out in the letter a claimant receives. A deadline for returning statements is set per letter, so claimants should check their own correspondence for the date that applies to them.
- Recent bank statements
- Recent building society statements
- Any other documents specified in the review letter
If a claimant does not respond, the DWP may make a decision on the information it already holds. Claimants who are unsure what to send should follow the instructions in their letter.
How savings affect Pension Credit
The first £10,000 of savings and investments is disregarded entirely. Above £10,000, every £500 or part of £500 counts as £1 a week of assumed income. This assumed income is taken into account when working out entitlement.
For example, savings of £13,000 means £3,000 above the limit. That is six blocks of £500, so £6 a week is deducted.
| Savings | Amount above £10,000 | Blocks of £500 | Assumed weekly income |
|---|---|---|---|
| £13,000 | £3,000 | 6 | £6 |
Changes of circumstance that affect entitlement
Certain changes can affect how much Pension Credit a claimant receives. These include changes to income, changes to savings, and time spent outside Great Britain. Claimants should report changes as they happen.
- Changes in income
- Changes in savings
- Time spent outside Great Britain
Reporting a change promptly helps the DWP keep a claim up to date and avoid incorrect payments.
Unclaimed Pension Credit
Around a million eligible households do not claim Pension Credit at all. Pension Credit tops weekly income up to £238 for a single person and £363.25 for a couple. Households that may be eligible can check their position.
Because the first £10,000 of savings and investments is disregarded entirely, some households with modest savings may still qualify.
If a claimant disagrees with the outcome
A claimant who disagrees with the outcome of a review can ask the DWP to look at the decision again. The review letter explains how to do this. Claimants can also seek independent advice on their options.
Being selected for a review does not mean a claimant has done anything wrong, and asking for a decision to be reconsidered is a normal part of the process.
RELATED GUIDES
DISCLAIMER
This article is editorial information, not financial advice. Kael Tripton Ltd is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Figures were correct at the last review date shown above; verify current rates and rules with the primary sources listed below before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Does being selected for a review mean I have done something wrong?
No. The DWP states that being selected for a review does not mean a claimant has done anything wrong.
What documents will I be asked for?
The DWP may ask for recent bank or building society statements. The exact documents are set out in the letter a claimant receives.
How long do I have to return statements?
The deadline is set per letter. Claimants should check their own correspondence for the date that applies to them.
How are savings treated?
The first £10,000 of savings and investments is disregarded entirely. Above £10,000, every £500 or part of £500 counts as £1 a week of assumed income.
What happens if I do not respond?
The DWP may make a decision on the information it already holds.
What if I disagree with the outcome?
A claimant can ask the DWP to look at the decision again. The review letter explains how to do this.
SOURCES
- Pension Credit – accessed 14 September 2026
- Pension Credit: what you'll get – accessed 14 September 2026
- Department for Work and Pensions – accessed 14 September 2026
