What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a benefit for people who are over the State Pension age and have a low income. It gives you extra money to help with your living costs. It’s different from your State Pension and can also help with housing costs like ground rent or service charges. You can still get Pension Credit even if you have some income, savings, or own your home.

How Much Could I Get?

On average, Pension Credit is worth around £3,900 a year. You might get more if you’re a carer, have a severe disability, or are responsible for a child or young person. To find out if you’re eligible and how much you could get, you can use the Pension Credit calculator at www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator.

What Extra Help Can I Get?

If you receive Pension Credit, you may also qualify for additional benefits, such as:

• Winter Fuel Payment: Money to help with your heating costs in winter.
• Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payment: Extra help with heating costs during very cold periods.
• Housing Benefit: Assistance with rent if you rent your home.
• Support for Mortgage Interest: Help with mortgage payments if you own your home.
• Council Tax Discount: Reduced Council Tax payments.
• Free TV Licence: If you’re 75 or older, you might get a free TV licence.
• Help with NHS Costs: Reduced costs for dental treatment, glasses, and transport for hospital appointments if you qualify for a certain type of Pension Credit.
• Royal Mail Redirection Discount: A discount if you’re moving house and want your mail redirected.

Am I Eligible?

To qualify for Pension Credit, you must:

• Live in England, Scotland, or Wales.
• Be over the State Pension age.

When you apply, your income will be checked. If you have a partner, your combined income will be considered. Pension Credit can top up:

• Your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single.
• Your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner.

Even if your income is higher, you might still be eligible if you have a disability, care for someone, have savings, or have housing costs.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply for Pension Credit online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit. You can also call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.

What Information Do I Need to Apply?

When you apply, you will need:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Information about any income, savings, and investments you have.
• Details about your income, savings, and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (this is usually up to 3 months ago or when you reached State Pension age).
• Your bank account details, including the bank or building society name, sort code, and account number.

Where Can I Find Out More?

For more information about Pension Credit, visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit.