Back
GrantUK-wide

Pension Credit

Department for Work and Pensions (Department for Communities in Northern Ireland)

Description

The most commonly-cited underclaimed benefit in the UK — tops up the weekly income of people over State Pension age who are on a low income, even if they have savings, a small pension, or own their home. Guarantee Credit brings weekly income up to a minimum level, while Savings Credit (only for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016) rewards modest retirement savings. Critically, it also acts as a 'gateway' benefit: claiming even a small amount of Pension Credit can unlock a free TV licence (over-75s), help with NHS dental/glasses/travel costs, a Council Tax Reduction, Cold Weather Payments, and Winter Fuel Payment eligibility under the post-2025 means-testing rules — several of which are covered as separate entries in this directory.

Amount

Guarantee Credit tops up weekly income to £238 (single) or £363.25 (couple) for 2026/27; Savings Credit (pre-April-2016 State Pension age only) adds up to £17.96 (single) or £20.10 (couple) a week. Extra amounts apply for severe disability (£86.05/week), caring (£48.15/week), and dependent children (£69.98–£81.07/week each) — actual award depends on individual circumstances.

Deadline

Rolling / no fixed deadline

Eligibility summary

  • Available across the whole UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
  • Open to individuals — not restricted to businesses.
  • Relevant income bands: earning under the Personal Allowance.
  • Relevant age groups: 65+.
Notes
Widely under-claimed because people wrongly assume owning their home, having modest savings, or a small workplace pension disqualifies them — none of these do on their own. DWP estimates hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners are not claiming. Savings Credit is only available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016; those who reached it later can only get Guarantee Credit. Delivered in Northern Ireland by the Department for Communities under equivalent legislation, not DWP directly.
Requirement
You (and your partner, if you have one) must have reached State Pension age, and your weekly income must be below the Guarantee Credit threshold (£238 for a single person, £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27) — or you may still get a smaller top-up if your income is slightly higher, or extra amounts for severe disability, caring responsibilities, or housing costs. There is no savings limit, though savings over £10,000 affect the amount via assumed (deemed) income.

Want help with this application?

This one is usually simple enough to do yourself using the free official link below — but if you'd rather have help, we're building relationships with vetted professionals and can let you know if that becomes available.

Some of the organisations we may connect you with pay us a referral fee if you use their service. This never affects which listings you see in the directory. No live partner is confirmed yet for this listing.

You can also do this yourself for free via the official source

How to apply

Apply online at gov.uk/pension-credit, by phone on the Pension Credit claim line (0800 99 1234), or by post using a form requested by phone. You can start a claim up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age, and a successful claim can be backdated up to 3 months. Northern Ireland residents apply via the Department for Communities' equivalent service (nidirect.gov.uk).

View official source

Last verified: 23 August 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.