Pension Credit – Should you apply?
Pension Credit – Should you apply?
What is pension credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
Why should I claim it?
By claiming pension credit, you will usually be eligible for other benefits. These include Cold Weather Payments, help with health costs, utility discounts, a free TV licence and Council Tax reduction. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
The facts:
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.
You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Pension Credit is split in to 2 parts. (1) Guarantee Credit (2) Savings Credit. You could be eligible for one or both elements.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level.
Savings Credit is a bit of extra money if you have savings or your income is higher than the basic state pension
Am I eligible?
When you apply for Pension Credit your income and savings is calculated. If you have a partner, these are calculated together.
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
What counts as income?
Your income includes:
- State Pension
- other pensions
- earnings from employment and self-employment
- most social security benefits, for example Carer’s Allowance
If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments this will not affect your Pension Credit.
If you have more than £10,000, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week. For example, if you have £11,000 in savings, this counts as £2 income a week.

How do I apply?
You can apply over the phone through the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 991234
Online via the Government website Pension Credit: How to claim - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You may be able to backdate your claim by up to 13 weeks, so ask about this when you apply. The final date for claiming Pension Credit, in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year, is 21st December.
If you need help with applying or understanding Pension Credit – we can help.