Obviously, I only know what you've shared but that doesn't make sense.
My father in law is similar to yours and I told him to claim Pension Credit years ago but he had too much in savings despite living a very basic life. He just didn't want to spend the money he had so ended up living skint all the time. Not sure if yours is the same?
Pension Credit is a lifeline to people who only qualify for State Pension and have very little other income or savings. But only two out of every three people entitled claim it.
Aside from them, there are millions more in the position of my father in law. They have money tucked away for a 'rainy day' that will never come or to pass on to kids and it prevents them from living a more decent life. I'd advise any pensioner on a low income to spend their savings down to about 3k improving their living conditions and then get pension credit.
I told all this to my father in law but he ignored me and I expect his savings will end up in the hands of a residential care home rather than his children.
