Pensioners in 2026. Financial Hardship – Click Report image for full report.

1. Over one in four pensioners in Great Britain are financially struggling, with this figure rising to over half among private renters.
2. Energy Costs: Energy remains the dominant source of financial pressure, with over a third of pensioners having cut back on heating or powering their home.
3. Impact of Energy Costs: Energy bills are the least affordable household cost, with many pensioners opting to forgo heating to avoid debt.
4. Affected Groups: Renters, women, younger pensioners, those with disabilities, and pensioners from ethnic minority backgrounds are disproportionately affected.
5. Support Barriers: Only 6% of pensioners sought financial help, with many unaware of eligibility or contact information.
6. Age UK’s Calls to Action: Government action needed on income (tackle low benefit take-up, protect State Pension), energy (reform Warm Home Discount, improve Warm Homes Plan), and housing (align Local Housing Allowance with rental costs, enforce energy efficiency standards).