Many people believe they will not get a payment and don't claim. When they eventually claim they find they could have had extra money and have missed out.
What Pension Credit is
Pension Credit is extra money from the government. It helps people who are over pension age and have a low income.
There are 2 types:
- Guarantee Credit – tops up your income if it's too low
- Savings Credit – gives a bit extra if you have saved some money for retirement and were retirement age on or before 6 April 2016
You might get one or both.
Who can get it
You must be over pension age. Right now, that means 66 years old.
This is increasing to 67 by 2028.
You can check when you are eligible for State Retirement Pension.
You may get Pension Credit even if:
- you have savings or own your home
- you live with a partner (get advice before claiming if your partner is not pension age)
- you get disability benefits or are a carer
Why claim
Even a small amount of Pension Credit can help you get:
- Housing Benefit
- help with Council Tax
- free TV Licence (if you’re over 75)
- help with health costs
- Winter Fuel Payments
How to claim
You can:
We can help you check if you qualify and support you to make a claim.
Other help
If you have a mortgage, you might get help with interest payments.
If you look after children, you might get extra money.
If your situation changes (like income or who you live with), tell the Pension Service.