What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income if it’s below a set amount. It’s for people who have reached State Pension age. You can get it even if you own your home or have some savings.
| If you’re single, it tops your income up to | £238.00 a week |
|---|---|
| If you’re a couple, it tops your income up to | £363.25 a week |
| Extra if you’re disabled and live alone | £86.05 a week |
| Extra if you’re a carer | £48.15 a week |
These are the rates from April 2026 to April 2027. Savings up to £10,000 don’t count. Above that, every £500 counts as £1 a week of income.
Why it’s worth claiming, even for a small amount
Getting any Pension Credit at all can unlock other help:
- Housing Benefit if you rent, and help with mortgage interest if you own your home
- A Council Tax discount
- A free TV Licence if you’re 75 or over
- Help with heating: the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments and £150 off your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount
- Free NHS dental treatment, money towards glasses and help with travel to hospital
How to claim
- Phone free: 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
- Online on GOV.UK, if you’ve already claimed your State Pension.
- Someone can call for you, such as a son, daughter or friend, as long as you’re with them.
- Ask for it to be backdated by up to 3 months.
Have your National Insurance number, bank details and details of your pensions and savings ready.
Worked example
Margaret is 79 and lives alone. She gets £800 a month from her State Pension and a small work pension, and has £12,000 in savings.
| Her income: £800 × 12 ÷ 52 | £184.62 a week |
|---|---|
| Savings over £10,000: £2,000 ÷ £500 | £4.00 a week |
| Pension Credit tops her up to | £238.00 a week |
| Margaret could get | £49.38 a week, about £2,568 a year |
She’d also get a free TV Licence and help with her Council Tax.
Questions
Can I get Pension Credit if I own my home?
Yes. The home you live in doesn’t count. You might also get help with mortgage interest.
Will it affect my State Pension?
No. Pension Credit is paid on top of your State Pension.
I’m checking for my mum or dad. Can I do it for them?
Yes. Answer the questions for them, and you can phone the claim line on their behalf as long as they’re with you.
My partner is younger than State Pension age.
You usually need to claim Universal Credit instead, unless you’ve been getting Pension Credit since before 15 May 2019.