What is pension credit?
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit aimed at people over state pension age offering a top-up on their income. Savings credit is only available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. You do not pay tax on Pension Credit
Am I eligible for pension credit?
To be eligible for Guarantee Credit you must Live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland; and have reached State Pension age. Calculating State Pension are can be tricky but you can check by using the GOV.UK State Pension Calculator. To be eligible for Savings Credit you must live in England, Scotland or Wales; and have reached State Pension Age before 6 April 2016.
If you’re in a couple you can start receiving Pension credit if you and your partner (classed as your husband, wife or civil partner (if you live with them) or someone else you live with as if you were married) have both reached State Pension age; or one of you is receiving Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
All rates are shown as of May 2021
It is made up of 2 parts, Guarantee Credit, and Savings Credit.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it is below:
- £173.75 per week for single people; or
- £265.20 per week for couples.
Savings Credit is extra money for individuals who saved some more towards their retirement, for example, a pension, or if your income is higher than the basic state pension. You may receive up to:
- £13.87 per week if you are single; or
- £15.62 per week if you are a couple.
How much pension credit can I get?
Single person
Guaranteed credit, per week = £173.75
Savings credit per week = £13.97
Couple
Guaranteed credit, per week = £265.2
Savings credit per week = £15.62
Note: if you are a carer, have a severe disability, are responsible for a child or young person, or have certain housing costs, you may be eligible to receive more.
If you’re responsible for a child or young person
If you are responsible for a child or young person you may be eligible for the ‘child addition’ which will increase your Pension Credit. The child or young person must normally live with you and under the age of 20. If the child or young person is 16 or over and under 20, they must be (or accepted for) approved training, such as Foundation Apprenticeships or on a course of non-advanced education (for example, GCSEs or A levels). If they are in education, they must be attending for more than 12 hours a week on average.
You cannot receive the child addition if you get Tax Credits.
How do I claim pension credit?
You can start your application for Pension Credit up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age, if you claim late it will only be backdated for 3 months. Simply call 0800 99 1234 (a friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone), have to hand your:-
- Your National Insurance Number
- Information about your income, savings and investments
- Your bank account details if you’re applying by phone or by post.
Applying by Post
To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form.
Applying Online
You can use the online service if you have already claimed your State Pension and there are no children or young people included in your claim
Pension Credit if you leave Great Britain:
Your entitlement to Pension Credit may change if you leave Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) for any period. You cannot get Pension Credit if you leave Great Britain permanently.
If you have any further questions we suggest giving the Pension Service Helpline a call on 0800 731 0469
2.90