How do I claim Pension Credit?

Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (free, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). You can also apply online or by post. It can be backdated by up to 3 months.

Pension Credit 2026 | Am I Eligible? How to Claim

Q: What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of State Pension age with a low income. It tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum — £218.15/week for a single person in 2025/26.

✍️ Paurav Joshi, Director, Ekvarta Ltd 📅 Last updated: May 2026

Pension Credit — Key Facts 2025/26

Guarantee Credit threshold — single person: £218.15/week
Guarantee Credit threshold — couple: £332.95/week
Savings Credit (if eligible): up to £17.01/week (single) / £19.04/week (couple)
Age: must be at State Pension age
Backdated: up to 3 months

What Is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit has two parts:

Guarantee Credit

Tops up your weekly income to the minimum guaranteed amount (£218.15 single / £332.95 couple in 2025/26). If your total income from pension, State Pension, benefits and savings is below this, you may qualify. No upper savings limit — but savings above £10,000 reduce the amount you receive.

Savings Credit

A small top-up for people who saved towards their retirement. Only available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. Being gradually phased out — fewer new claimants qualify.

Why It Matters

Claiming Guarantee Credit also unlocks a range of other entitlements:

Free NHS dental treatment
Free NHS sight tests and help with glasses
Housing Benefit — if you rent, you may get full or near-full rent covered
Council Tax Reduction — significant reduction or exemption
Cold Weather Payments — £25 when temperatures drop below 0°C for 7 consecutive days
Warm Home Discount — £150 off electricity bill
Winter Fuel Payment — protected for Pension Credit recipients
Free TV licence (if over 75 and claiming Pension Credit)
Carer Addition — additional amount if you are caring for someone
Severe Disability Addition — additional amount if you live alone and receive certain disability benefits

The cumulative value of these additional entitlements often exceeds the Pension Credit itself.

Eligibility

To claim Pension Credit you must:

Be at State Pension age (currently 66 for both men and women)
Live in the UK (Great Britain)
Have a weekly income below the relevant threshold

There is no strict upper savings limit for Guarantee Credit, but every £500 of savings above £10,000 is treated as £1/week of income for the purpose of the calculation.

How to Claim

Phone — 0800 99 1234 (free, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm). This is the easiest and quickest route. Have your National Insurance number, bank account details and income information to hand.
Online — at GOV.UK (search "Pension Credit")
Post — downloadable claim form from GOV.UK

The claim can be backdated by up to 3 months — so claim as soon as possible even if you're not sure you qualify.

Getting Help to Claim

If you or someone you care for needs help understanding or claiming Pension Credit:

Age UK helpline — 0800 169 6565 (free, 8am–7pm daily). They have benefits advisers and can help you through the claim.
Citizens Advice — local offices can assist with completing the form
Your council's welfare rights team — free service helping residents claim benefits they're entitled to

Was this guide helpful?

Pension Credit