Pension Credit
Pension Credit gives extra money to people over State Pension age on a low income. Many people who could get it don't claim, often because they assume owning a home or having some savings rules them out. It doesn't.
What it pays
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £238 for a single person, or £363.25 for a couple (2026 to 2027). You may get more on top:
- £86.05 a week if you have a severe disability and get a benefit such as Attendance Allowance
- £48.15 a week if you're a carer getting Carer's Allowance
- extra amounts if you're responsible for a child
If income is a bit higher than the top-up level, it's still worth checking, especially if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings or have housing costs.
What counts
Income includes State Pension, other pensions, earnings and most benefits, such as Carer's Allowance. It doesn't include Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit or Winter Fuel Payment.
Savings of £10,000 or less don't affect it. Above that, every £500 counts as £1 a week of income.
Why it matters so much
Getting Pension Credit can open the door to other help:
- Housing Benefit if you rent, and a Council Tax Reduction
- a free TV licence if you're 75 or over
- Cold Weather Payments (Winter Heating Payments in Scotland)
- the Warm Home Discount on your electricity bill
- help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and travel to hospital appointments, if you get the Guarantee Credit part
How to claim
You can apply up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age, or any time after. A claim can be backdated by 3 months.
Apply online on GOV.UK if you've already applied for your State Pension, or call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). A friend or family member can call for you. You'll need National Insurance numbers, and details of income, savings and investments, and bank details.
GOV.UK has a Pension Credit calculator, and Citizens Advice and Age UK can help with the form.
Pension Credit works the same way in England, Scotland and Wales.