What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age who have a low income. It is a separate benefit from State Pension. It comes in two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You can be eligible for one or both parts.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. Savings Credit is extra money if you've got some savings or if your income is higher than the basic State Pension. It's available to people who have reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Pension Credit can also open doors to other support, including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.
Who is eligible?
You might be eligible for Guarantee Credit if they have reached State Pension age and live in England. This is currently 66 for both men and women. When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. You can check this yourself here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. You can also still be working as long as your income isn't too high. Even if your weekly income exceeds the thresholds, you may still qualify for Guarantee Credit if you:
- Are a carer (receiving Carer’s Allowance or a related payment)
- Have a severe disability (and receive a qualifying disability benefit)
- Have eligible housing costs (e.g., service charges)
- Are responsible for a child or young person under 16, or aged 16-20 in approved training/education (12+ hours per week).
You might be eligible for Savings credit if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 or if you're a couple and both of you did.
Full details on our Pension Credit page.
How can I apply?
You can apply online, by phone or by completing a form. You can find that and more information here: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234
Information needed: National Insurance number, income details, savings, and housing costs.
If you live with a partner, you’ll need to give the Pension Service the same information about them.
Please check our Pension Credit page for full details including criteria and figures.
How can we help?
We understand that navigating benefits like Pension Credit can be challenging, but our Better Days programme is here to help. With a dedicated team of experts and trusted partners such as Citizens Advice, we can guide you through the application process and answer any questions you may have. Even if you’re not eligible for Pension Credit, Citizens Advice offer a range of resources, advice, and additional support services through our Better Days programme. Whether it’s managing your finances, accessing grants, or exploring other benefits, we're here to make the process a little easier. You can find out more about how we can assist you on our My Money page.
