Pension Credit is a tax free weekly payment which could mean extra money if you are
over the qualifying age.
The qualifying age for Pension Credit increases on a regular basis as a result of
the equalisation of pension ages for men and women. You can check your own qualifying
age by either phoning the Pension Service on 0845 6060 265, or by checking theState
Pension Age Calculator.
People aged 65 or over may be rewarded for some of the savings and income they have
provided for their retirement.
You may be entitled to Pension Credit if:
- you or your partner have reached the qualifying age and
- you normally reside in Great Britain
How much is pension credit?
Pension Credit currently guarantees a minimum income of at least:
£148.35 a week for a single person or
£226.50 a week if you have a partner
Entitlement may be higher if any of the following apply:
- you are severely disabled and live alone, or with another severely disabled person
- you are a carer entitled to Carers Allowance
- you have certain housing costs that are not covered by Housing Benefit (for example
mortgage interest payments)
What if I have savings or investments?
If your savings and investments are less than £10,000 then they are ignored. If your
savings and investments are over these limits any Pension Credit paid is reduced
by £1 for every £500, or part of £500 you have over these limits. This is called
assumed income from savings.
For example, if you have savings of £11,050 you will be deemed to have an income
of £3 per week from your savings; if you have savings of £15,300 you will have a
deemed income of £11 per week.
Can you continue to work and apply for pension credit?
Yes. You can work as many hours as you like and still apply for Pension Credit. However,
the earnings they receive may affect your entitlement.
How much pension credit could people get each week?
Guarantee Credit
If your income is below £148.35 a week for a single person or £226.50 a week if you
have a partner then the guarantee credit makes up the difference.
Savings Credit
This can be paid if you or your partner are aged 65 or over. It is intended to provide
extra money for people who have made modest provision for their retirement. So if
your income is less than £189 per week (or £277 if you have a partner) then you
should make a claim.
Some types of income do not count for Pension Credit Purposes. These include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax Benefit
How do you apply for pension credit?
You can apply by phone
or at
www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
Over three million people are receiving extra money through Pension Credit.
Could you join them?
Make sure you don't miss out. If you apply for Pension Credit
and are eligible, you may receive a payment backdated (for up to 3 months from the
day you were first entitled to the date you first applied).
We will provide a friendly and confidential place, or visit you at home, to discuss
any issues regarding your State Pension or Pension Credit. We will be able to:
- Help you complete claim forms
- Deal with any queries you may have about benefits you are already receiving
- Verify documents to save you from having to send them to the Pension Centre
- Signpost you to other services you may need