Pension Credit: The Benefit Thousands of Pensioners Are Missing

Quick summary: Pension Credit tops up a pensioner's weekly income to at least £238 if single, or £363.25 for a couple, in 2026/27. Around 910,000 eligible pensioners aren't claiming it, at an average of £4,300 a year each. It also unlocks extra help like a free TV licence, Council Tax Reduction and the Warm Home Discount. It is not automatic, you have to claim it, and it takes a few minutes to check.

What Pension Credit is

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, it's a top-up for people over State Pension age on a low income. It has two parts:

Guarantee Credit, the main part, which tops your weekly income up to a guaranteed minimum
Savings Credit, an extra amount only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016

You can get Pension Credit even if you have some savings, other income, or own your own home, it isn't ruled out just because you have some financial cushion.

How much it's worth

For 2026/27, Guarantee Credit tops your income up to:

Household	Weekly minimum
Single	£238
Couple	£363.25

If your income is already above these figures, you might still be entitled to something if you have a disability, care for someone, or have certain housing costs, the rules are genuinely complex, which is exactly why it's worth checking rather than assuming you don't qualify.

Savings Credit, where it applies, is worth up to an extra £17.96 a week if you're single, or £20.10 for a couple.

Why so many people miss out

An estimated 910,000 eligible pensioners aren't claiming Pension Credit, often simply because they don't realise they qualify, assume their small workplace pension or modest savings rule them out, or don't know it exists at all. The average unclaimed amount is worth £4,300 a year. It is genuinely not automatic, however long you've been retired, you have to apply.

Who can claim

You must have reached State Pension age
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales (Northern Ireland has its own separate process)
If you have a partner, you normally both need to have reached State Pension age to make a new joint claim, if only one of you has, you'll usually need to claim Universal Credit instead until you both qualify

The other benefits it unlocks

This is the part that makes even a small Pension Credit award worth claiming: it acts as a "passport" to a run of further help, including:

Housing Benefit, if you rent your home
Cold Weather Payments
Support for Mortgage Interest, if you own your home
A Council Tax Reduction
A free TV licence if you're 75 or over
Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and hospital transport costs
The Warm Home Discount, worth £150 off your electricity bill
A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you're moving house

The full official list is here:

Pension Credit: other help you can get, GOV.UK

How to check and claim

The quickest way to find out if you're eligible is the free government calculator:

Pension Credit calculator, GOV.UK

Or you can apply directly:

Online, if you've already claimed your State Pension: apply for Pension Credit
By phone, on the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
By post, using a claim form requested through the claim line

You'll need your National Insurance number, and details of your income, savings and investments, plus your bank details.

Full step-by-step detail is on GOV.UK:

Pension Credit: how to claim, GOV.UK

Timing and backdating

You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. If you've already reached it, you can apply any time, and your claim can be backdated by up to 3 months, provided you were eligible throughout that period, so it's worth claiming as soon as you think you might qualify rather than waiting.

If you're not sure where else to check

Standard online benefits calculators don't always cover every situation well, especially mixed-age couples or people with disability-related additions. Our guide to using them alongside a direct Pension Credit check is here: Am I Missing Out? The Free Ten-Minute Check That Could Find You More Money.

If you're struggling with a one-off cost right now rather than an ongoing income gap, your council may also be able to help. See our guide: Struggling With Bills or Food? Here's How to Get Council Crisis Help.

If you need food help today

Checking and claiming Pension Credit is worth doing, but it won't put food on the table tonight. If you need help now, search for a food bank near you by postcode or town.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to claim Pension Credit or is it automatic?

You have to claim it. It is never paid automatically, no matter how long you've been over State Pension age.

I have some savings, does that rule me out?

Not necessarily. Savings under £10,000 aren't counted at all. Above that, an assumed income is added to your calculation, but it doesn't automatically disqualify you, it's still worth checking.

My partner hasn't reached State Pension age yet, what happens?

In most cases you'll need to claim Universal Credit as a couple instead, until you've both reached State Pension age, after which you can apply for Pension Credit together.

How long does a claim take to process?

Applications are taking around two months to process in many cases, so claim as early as you can, backdating covers up to 3 months of that wait if you were eligible throughout.

Can I get Pension Credit and still work?

Yes, if you're over State Pension age and working, any earnings are included in the income calculation like any other income, but working doesn't rule you out.

What if I'm turned down?

You can ask for the decision to be looked at again, this is called a mandatory reconsideration. Citizens Advice or Age UK can help if you need support with this.