Income from occupational pensions made up 30 per cent of total pensioner income in 2016/17, according to data from the Department for Work and Pensions.

The latest data from its Pensioner Income Series revealed that for pensioners under 75, occupational pensions made up 29 per cent of income, while this rises to 31 per cent for those over 75, averaging 30 per cent for both.

The survey also revealed that pensioner income has increased to £307 a week, on average, up from £260 in 2006/7. The DWP said the change reflects increases to occupational pensions, earnings and benefits.

However, Just Group communications director Stephen Lowe noted that it is “striking” that although dependence on state benefits is higher for the poorest pensioners, they actually receive less benefit than pensioners who are wealthier.

"Today's figures show that among the poorest fifth of pensioners, benefits make up 77 per cent of income for couples and 86 per cent for single pensioners. That compares to the wealthiest one fifth where benefits make up 38 per cent for couples and 46 per cent for singles.

"Yet in cash terms for the poorest one-fifth that equates to £218 a week for couples and £129 for singles which is less than the average for all pensioners and less than the wealthiest one-fifth who receive £228 a week benefits if in a couple and £210 if single.

"This tallies with our own research which found high levels of home ownership among the poorest pensioners which may be putting them off claiming all the benefits they are eligible to receive. We found four in 10 pensioner homeowners do not claim benefits they are entitled to and a further two in 10 are not claiming all they could.

“Our message is clear to those (particularly homeowners) struggling to make ends meet in retirement: seek guidance and find out how much you are entitled to. It could make a significant difference to your monthly income and consequent quality of life.”

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