If you are age 66 or over with a limited income, then you could be eligible for Pension Credit. This would give you extra money on a weekly basis. Every year there are eligible households who miss out, so it’s worth checking whether you can claim it.
If you know someone else who might be eligible – let them know!
What is Pension Credit?
It’s a means-tested benefit for people over the State Pension age. Pension Credit tops up your income to a minimum weekly level.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 a year.
Make sure you’re not missing out
Even if you don’t think you would qualify it’s worth checking, because:
- You can claim even if you own your home (and you may even be eligible for help with mortgage interest or service charges)
- You may get extra Pension Credit if you are caring for someone
- You may get extra Pension Credit if you have a disability – and money from disability benefits such as PIP or Attendance Allowance does not count towards your income
- You can claim Pension Credit even if you have savings – although the amount you get may be reduced if you have over £10000
Use the quick online calculator to check eligibility and how much you could get.
Alternatively, you can also call our Welfare Rights Team who can quickly and easily calculate entitlement to Pension Credit (along with Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction). They can can also discuss any disability benefits.
What else could I get if I claim Pension Credit?
If you get Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as:
- Help with heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payment
- Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in
- Support for mortgage interest if you own the property you live in
- A Council Tax reduction
- A free TV Licence if you’re aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments, if you get a certain type of Pension Credit
- A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you’re moving house
When can I apply?
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. You can also backdate a claim for Pension Credit for up to three months.
How do I apply?
Step 1
Have the following information ready:
- National Insurance number
- Information about any income, savings and investments you have
- Bank details
Step 2
Visit gov.uk/pension-credit to apply online.
Alternatively, you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Step 3
You will be notified by post when your claim has been assessed.
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