05 May 2009 – Publication of DWP research report: Older people’s attitudes to automatic awards of Pension Credit

Research published today by the Department for Work and Pensions looks at older people’s attitudes to the principle of automatic awards of Pension Credit. Participants in the research were broadly supportive of the idea of the DWP using of data to automate elements of the Pension Credit award process, and although they highlighted concerns which would need to be taken into account, they did not perceive the issues as insurmountable.

At present, people must actively make a claim for Pension Credit and provide details about their financial situation, in order for their entitlement to be assessed.  This small-scale qualitative research project, carried out by the National Centre for Social Research on behalf of the Department, explores older people’s attitudes to the principle of the Department using data about individuals to automate elements of the awards process.

Respondents were broadly supportive of the concept and saw the advantages of a system that increases awareness of eligibility, overcomes any stigma in applying for benefit, and makes the claims process more simple and convenient.

Some respondents suggested that they would want to retain an element of input and control in the process, and others mentioned concerns around the Government’s use of their data and the need to ensure that the information used was accurate and up to date. These concerns were not seen to be insurmountable, however, and the advantages were generally thought to outweigh them. 

Notes to Editors

1. Older People’s Attitudes to Automatic Awards of Pension Credit is published today as part of the DWP Research Report series (Research Report 579). It is available at http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/rrs-index.asp
2. The report is based on in-depth interviews with 24 older people who were either in receipt, or who appeared eligible but were not in receipt, of Pension Credit.
3. The research was carried out on behalf of the Department by the National Centre for Social Research. The report authors are Mehul Kotecha, Meg Callanan, Sue Arthur and Chris Creegan.
4. Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least £130.00 a week (single people) or £198.45 a week (couples).

 

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