In this section you will find answers to:

  • What is pension credit?
  • Your assessment

What is Pension Credit?

 
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over the age of 60, although this is gradually increasing to 65 in line with women's state pension age. It is made up of two parts:

Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. The Guarantee Credit tops up the claimants' weekly income to:

  • £137.35 a week if you are single
  • £209.70 a week if you have a partner

However, if your income is above those amounts, you can still claim if:

  • You are severely disabled
  • You look after a person who is severely disabled
  • Have certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest repayments

If you or your partner is over the age of 65, you may be rewarded if you have saved for your retirement, such as with a second pension. To qualify your income should be less than £188 a week if you are single, or £277 per week if you have a partner. This could mean you get an additional:

  • £20.52 if you are single
  • £27.09 if you have a partner

Again, those amounts might be more if you are severely disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs.

You can still claim pension credit if you are in a care home.

Your assessment

You can claim pension credit if your income is below a designated amount (see below). The income that will be taken into account includes:

  • Pensions – state and personal pensions
  • Certain benefits, such as Carer’s Allowance
  • Earnings from a job

However, some benefits are not included in the assessment. These include:

To apply for pension credit you should call 0800 99 1234.