Extra money for people over State Pension age on a low income, which also unlocks other help such as Housing Benefit and a free TV licence at 75.
Many people who are entitled to support never claim it. Check who qualifies, how much you could get and how to make your claim through the official channel.
The rules depend on where you live in the UK and on your household’s circumstances.
What Pension Credit offers
- Guarantee Credit: Tops up your weekly income to a minimum level.
- Savings Credit: Extra money for some people who saved for retirement before April 2016.
- Passport to other help: Can qualify you for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and the Winter Fuel Payment.
- Free TV licence: People aged 75 or over who get Pension Credit can get a free TV licence.
- Help with NHS costs: Guarantee Credit gives free dental treatment and help with other health costs.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who can get it | People who have reached State Pension age with a low income |
| How much | Tops up weekly income to £238.00 (single) or £363.25 (couples), with extra for severe disability, caring or children (2026/27) |
| How it's paid | Into your bank account, usually every 4 weeks |
| How to claim | Online, by phone or by post |
| Backdating | Can be backdated up to 3 months |
Key points
Guarantee Credit: Tops up your weekly income to a minimum level.
Savings Credit: Extra money for some people who saved for retirement before April 2016.
Passport to other help: Can qualify you for Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and the Winter Fuel Payment.
About Department for Work and Pensions
Pension Credit is run by Department for Work and Pensions. Claims are made free of charge through the official government channel.
We explain the rules independently and then send you to the official page to claim. We are not a government website.
Amounts and rules can change. The decision on your claim is made by Department for Work and Pensions.