Pension Credit Explained: Who Gets It and How Much
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up the weekly income of people over State Pension age who are on a low income. In the 2026/27 tax year, Guarantee Credit lifts a single person's weekly income to £238, and a couple's joint weekly income to £363.25. It is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), it is separate from the State Pension, and you can claim it even if you own your home or have other income and savings. GOV.UK's Pension Credit guide sets out the full rules.
Despite that, large numbers of eligible pensioners never claim. Age UK notes that people who have been turned down before can still make a new claim each year, and that there is nothing to lose by applying. This guide explains who qualifies, how much Pension Credit is worth in 2026/27, what else a claim unlocks, and how to apply.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a tax-free benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales. Northern Ireland runs a similar scheme under its own rules. It comes in two parts, and you may qualify for one or both of them.
Guarantee Credit is the main part. It tops up your weekly income to a minimum level set by the government each April. Savings Credit is a smaller extra payment for people who saved for retirement, but it is only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
State Pension age is currently 66 for both men and women, and Age UK notes that it is gradually rising from April 2026. You can start a Pension Credit application up to four months before you reach State Pension age, and you can apply at any time after that.
How much is Pension Credit in 2026/27?
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to £238 if you are single, or to £363.25 a week as a couple. If your income is already above those levels, you may still qualify if you have a disability, care for someone, have certain housing costs, or are responsible for a child or young person.
| Element | Single person | Couple |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantee Credit minimum weekly income | £238.00 | £363.25 |
| Savings Credit maximum (pre-6 April 2016 only) | £17.96 | £20.10 |
| Severe disability addition | £86.05 | Up to £172.10 if both qualify |
| Carer addition | £48.15 | £48.15 each if both qualify |
The severe disability addition of £86.05 a week applies if you receive Attendance Allowance, the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or the middle or highest rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance, among other qualifying benefits. The carer addition of £48.15 a week applies if you receive Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment, and both partners can receive it if both have claimed Carer's Allowance.
Extra amounts are also available if you are responsible for children or young people who live with you: £69.98 a week for each child, rising to £81.07 a week for the first child if they were born before 6 April 2017. Help with housing costs such as ground rent, service charges and site rents can also be added.
Who can get Pension Credit?
To qualify for Guarantee Credit you must have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales. If you have a partner, you must usually both have reached State Pension age, although there is an exception if one of you is already receiving Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age. Mixed-age couples, where only one partner is over State Pension age, normally have to claim Universal Credit until both partners reach State Pension age.
Your income is assessed when you apply. It includes your State Pension, other pensions, earnings from work, and most social security benefits such as Carer's Allowance. Some benefits are not counted as income, including Attendance Allowance, PIP, Disability Living Allowance, Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Winter Fuel Payment.
There is no savings cut-off for Pension Credit, which surprises many people. If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investments, it does not affect your claim. Above that, every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 of weekly income. For example, £11,000 of savings counts as £2 of weekly income.
What else does Pension Credit unlock?
A Pension Credit award can be worth far more than the weekly top-up itself, because it acts as a passport to other help. According to GOV.UK, people who receive Pension Credit can also get Housing Benefit if they rent, help with mortgage interest if they own their home, a Council Tax Reduction, and a free TV licence if they are aged 75 or over.
People who receive the Guarantee Credit part also get help with NHS costs, including free dental treatment and help with the cost of glasses and transport to hospital appointments. Pension Credit also brings eligibility for Cold Weather Payments, the Warm Home Discount Scheme and the Winter Fuel Payment. Age UK notes that Winter Fuel Payments are automatic for people over State Pension age, but that the payment is recovered through the tax system if annual income is over £35,000.
How to claim Pension Credit
You can apply online through GOV.UK if you have already claimed your State Pension, by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), or by post using the Pension Credit claim form. A friend or family member can call on your behalf if you cannot use the phone.
Before you apply, have your National Insurance number, bank account details, and information about your income, savings, investments and any pension to hand, plus your partner's details if you have one. Claims can be backdated by up to three months, so an application made now can cover a period when you were already eligible. You must report changes in your circumstances, such as moving house, a change in income, or going into hospital or a care home, straight away.
If your claim is turned down, you can challenge the decision by asking for a mandatory reconsideration. And if your circumstances change, you can claim again: as Age UK puts it, you have nothing to lose by applying, and potentially a lot to gain.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Pension Credit if I own my home? Yes. GOV.UK states that you can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. Homeowners may also get help with housing costs such as ground rent and service charges.
Does Pension Credit affect my State Pension? No. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension and is paid on top of it. However, if you have deferred your State Pension, the amount you would receive is counted as income when your claim is assessed.
How far back can a Pension Credit claim be backdated? A claim can be backdated by up to three months, so your first payment can include up to three months of Pension Credit if you were eligible during that time.
What if only one of us is over State Pension age? Mixed-age couples normally have to claim Universal Credit until both partners have reached State Pension age, at which point Pension Credit may become available as a couple.
Rates in this guide are for the 2026/27 tax year, as published by GOV.UK and Age UK. Benefit rules change, so always check the official GOV.UK pages before applying.
