State pensioners being handed 'backdated' £4,403 from DWP if they have one form

State pensioners are being handed a "backdated" £4,000 from the Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) - thanks to one form. Martin Lewis, the Money Saving Expert, has written about the success in his latest MSE email and newsletter.

MSE reader Annie said: “On 12 Oct, I submitted a Pension Credit query on behalf of my 93-year-old mum. I first submitted forms about 18 months ago, and never received a reply. Yes, she was eligible and, on 5 Nov, £4,403 of backdated credit dropped into her current account.” (sic)

She added: “We can now await Winter Fuel help and her TV licence fee." If you already claim Pension Credit, not only can you claim Attendance Allowance on top, but you may also be entitled to extra Pension Credit worth £81.50 a week.

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If you're single with total weekly income under £218 you're likely to get it. If you have a weekly income of under £235 then you may get it. If you're a couple, both of pension age, with total weekly income under £333 you're likely to get it. If you have a weekly income of under £350 then you may get it.

If you're not claiming Pension Credit, but live alone or with a partner aged 66+ and have a weekly income of below roughly £218 a week (or £332 if you're in a couple) check if you can get it. It comes after Mr Lewis promoted his latest ITV show via Twitter, now X.

"Martin: "Tonight it's a potpourri of fiscal facts - we'll be talking how to save for your first home: Lifetime ISAs or Help to Buy. Plus, the 1m ill or disabled pensioners missing out on Pension Credit. There's the Energy Price Cap rise and lots more. If you've a question on these or anything, ask via #MartinLewis on X (Twitter). Do watch or at least set the VHS," he wrote.