Are you eligible for Pension Credit?

Did you know up to one million eligible older people are missing out on receiving pension credit? If you're over State Pension age and finding it tricky to make ends meet, you might be able to claim Pension Credit to top up your income. 

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension and tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. In 2026/27, this is £238.00 per week for a single person and £363.25 per week for a couple. 

There are different eligibility requirements for each of the parts of Pension Credit. 

Can I get Guarantee Credit? 

You might be eligible for Guarantee Credit if you've reached State Pension age. This is currently 66 for both men and women but is gradually rising from April 2026.  

If you've reached State Pension age, you can claim Guarantee Credit if your weekly income is less than £238.00 if you’re single, £363.25 if you’re a couple. 

Even if your weekly income is higher than these thresholds, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you meet one of the following criteria: 

• you're a carer 

• you have a severe disability 

• you have certain housing costs, such as service charges 

• you're responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you. 

Can I get Savings Credit? 

If you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016, or if you're a couple and both of you did, you might be eligible to claim Savings Credit. 

There isn’t a savings limit for Pension Credit. However, if you have over £10,000 in savings, this will affect how much you receive. 

How to claim Pension Credit? 

To claim Pension Credit, you can either: 

• claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren't any children or young people included in your claim) 

• call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm). 

It can be helpful to have the following details to hand before you get started: 

• your National Insurance number 

• your bank account details 

• information about your income, savings and investments 

• information about your pension (if you have one) 

• details of any housing costs you have (such as a mortgage, interest payments or service charges) 

• your partner’s details, if you have a partner. 

Pension Credit can help with other costs 

• You'll be eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.  

• If you're 75 or over, you can get a free TV licence. 

• You’ll be eligible for a Cold Weather Payment during particularly cold weather. 

• You are eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment if you have reached State Pension age. Payments are automatic. If your annual income is over £35,000 the Winter Fuel Payment will be recovered through the tax system. 

You have nothing to lose by applying, and potentially a lot to gain, and if you've previously been turned down, you can still make a new claim each year. 

Learn more about Pension Credit on Age UK’s website Pension credit advice | Age UK