Apply for Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a top-up pension income for those who have reached State Pension age. It can help with day-to-day living costs.

Payment amount

Pension Credit is made up of two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

Guarantee Credit

This tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 for a single pensioner or £332.95 for couples. If you have a severe disability, are a carer or have certain housing costs, you may be awarded more.

Savings Credit

This is extra money for those with some savings or whose weekly income is higher than the basic State Pension. This could be up to £17.01 extra per week for a single pensioner or £19.04 for couples.

Eligibility

To be eligible for Guaranteed Credit, you have to:

• be of State Pension age. This is now 66 years old for both men and women.
• have a weekly income of less than £218.15 for a single pensioner or £332.95 for couples. If your weekly income is more than this, you can still get some Pension Credit if you have a severe disability, are a carer or have certain housing costs.
• have capital of £10,000 or less. Pension Credit has no savings limit, but if the total capital is over £10,000, the amount you get will be reduced.

If you were aged 66 on or before 6 April 2016 and have savings or a private pension, you may be able to claim Savings Credit.

To check if you or someone you know is eligible, please visit the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator.

Other help available with Pension Credit

Claiming Pension Credit is important because it means those entitled may automatically be able to:

• apply for a free TV licence if they are aged 75 or over
• get cold weather payments
• get help with NHS costs if they get Guarantee Credit. This can include prescriptions, dental treatment, glasses, and transport costs for hospital appointments.

How to claim

To claim Pension Credit for yourself or someone you know, call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

You will need the following information ready:

• the eligible person's National Insurance number
• information about income, savings, and investments
• bank account details

You can also apply online if you have already applied for your State Pension.

Further information

Please visit Pension Credit: What you need to know.