State pensioners could get an extra £182 a week from DWP

State pensioners on a low income could receive an extra £182 a week from the DWP to boost their pension payments. Figures from the DWP show that there are over 1.9 million people receiving less than £100 per week in state pension payments and just under 1.5 million of these are women.Of the overall UK total, there are 10.1 million older people receiving basic state pension payments of up to £141.85 per week, compared to 2.4 million getting new state pension payments, which are worth up to £185.15 each week.However, Helen Morrissey, senior pensions and retirement analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown warns at least some of those on the lowest state pension payments could be missing out on a DWP benefit worth more than £3,300 each year in financial support, discounts and other benefits.Ms Morrissey explained: ‘At least some of them could be helped by applying for Pension Credit, a benefit designed to top up the income of the poorest pensioners which also acts as a gateway to other benefits such as help with NHS costs and a free TV licence for the over 75s.’The UK Government held a Day of Action in June designed to boost awareness of this much under-claimed benefit to help more people access this extra money. We hope to see a surge in the number of claimants when the next batch of data is published.’READ MORE: Britons warned of little known mistake that could cost you thousands in retirement As the cost of living crisis continues, any extra cash could be vital for families on low incomes (Image: GETTY)Ms Morrissey added: ‘Some of these people will have other pensions they can use to supplement their income but those who don’t face incredibly difficult times as the costs of essentials like fuel and food continue to soar.’As many pensioners will not have ways to supplement their incomes, Emma-Lou Montgomery, associate director for Personal Investing at Fidelity International shared her top tips on how people can boost their state pension.Pension CreditPension Credit gives individuals extra money to help with their living costs if they’re over state pension age (which is currently 66 years old) and on a low income.Pension Credit can also be put towards housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.DON’T MISSBank offers ‘competitive’ rate for ‘short-term’ savers – how much interest can you earn? [INSIGHT]Dave Ramsey explains if man, 58, should use savings to overpay mortgage or pay in pension [VIDEO]Inheritance tax: The ‘common pitfall’ which could cost you thousands – steps to avoid it [ANALYSIS] State pension age is currently 66 in the UK (Image: EXPRESS)How to find out how much they’re entitled toMs Montgomery explained that to check how much state pension someone is likely to receive, there is a helpful service – which is free – showing people a forecast of what they can expect to get in retirement.With some of their personal details, income and employment history information, this will estimate how much state pension one could get, when they can get it, and how to increase it, if this is an option available to them.Consider ahead of the BudgetShe said: ‘With the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s, Autumn Statement soon upon us, many will be anticipating what the latest changes and plans are for the state pension and benefits and looking for more certainty over their financial futures.’It is now thought that the triple-lock on state pensions may remain, with benefits anticipated to rise in line with inflation.’Going forward, a broader review of the UK pension system is required, taking into account the state pension alongside the development of the automatic enrolment regime.’Considerations must be made towards both eligibility for automatic enrolment and how the coverage and quantum of contributions might increase in the future.’