Pension Credit

What is it?

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It’s separate from your State Pension.

Do I qualify?

This will depend on two main factors:

• You must have reached the age to claim your State Pension
• Your income and savings must be low enough.

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. This level is currently:

£218.15 if you’re single.

£332.95 if you’re a couple.

Even if your weekly income is higher than these amounts, you could still qualify for Pension Credit if you meet one of the following criteria:

• you’re a carer.
• you have a severe disability.
• you have certain housing costs, such as service charges.
• you’re responsible for a child or young person who usually lives with you.

If there is any doubt, seek advice.

How do I claim?

To claim you can either:

• Telephone: 0800 99 1234, or
• Click on the following link Information you will need to apply online – Apply for Pension Credit (apply-for-pension-credit.service.gov.uk)
• You can also apply by post.