Pension Credit gives extra money to people over State Pension age who need help with day-to-day living costs.

It’s a cash benefit, paid weekly, that you can use however you choose, for example, towards household bills, food, or other living expenses.

Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and you don’t need to be receiving a pension to apply

You may be eligible if:

• You’ve reached State Pension age (check yours here: Check your State Pension age).
• You have a low income, usually less than £227.10 per week as a single person, or £346.60 as a couple (but varies).
• You live in England, Scotland or Wales.
• You meet the rules on residency, you must usually live in the UK.

• You have savings or a private pension.
• You own your home.
• You live with family (in some cases).

There are two parts to Pension Credit:

This tops up your income to a minimum level:

• £218.15 a week for a single person.
• £332.95 a week for a couple (July 2025 rates).

You may get this if you’ve saved some money for retirement, even if it’s just a small amount.

Extra Payments If You Qualify

You may also get additional amounts if you:

Care for someone (Carer Addition).
You could get an extra amount if you look after someone for at least 35 hours a week who gets a qualifying disability benefit.

Are severely disabled.
You may get extra help if you receive a disability benefit and no one claims Carer’s Allowance for looking after you.

Have responsibility for a child or young person.
An extra amount may be included if you’re responsible for a dependent child or young person who lives with you.

Have housing costs like ground rent or service charges.
You could get extra support if you’re responsible for certain housing costs, such as service charges or mortgage interest.

Other Help Linked to Pension Credit

If you get Pension Credit, you may automatically qualify for other help, such as:

• Free NHS dental treatment.
• Help with glasses and travel to hospital.
• Cold Weather and Winter Fuel Payments.
• Warm Home Discount.
• Council Tax Reduction
• Free TV Licence (if you’re over 75).

You could save thousands of pounds a year through these entitlements.

Visit: Apply for Pension Credit

Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

You’ll need:

• Your National Insurance number.
• Information about your income, savings, and housing costs.
• Your bank details.

Use the official Pension Credit calculator to check.

Even if you’re just over the limit, you may still qualify for other help, like Council Tax support.

Over 1.4 million people get Pension Credit, but many more don’t claim when they could. If you’re over pension age and on a modest income, it’s well worth checking. You’ve earned it, make sure you’re getting all the support available.

If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, you may also qualify for free home energy improvements through ECO4 or the Great British Insulation Scheme. These government-backed schemes are designed to help older or low-income households:

• Improve home insulation and heating.
• Reduce energy bills.
• Stay warm and comfortable all year round.

It’s quick to check your eligibility, and you could save even more on top of your Pension Credit entitlement.

Useful Resources:

• Pension Credit
• State Pension
• Check Your State Pension Age 
• Pension Credit Calculator 
• Apply for Council Tax Reduction

Cost of Living Support Available:

• Household Support Fund (England)
• Cost of Living Payments
• Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI)
• Mortgage Guarantee Scheme
• Council Tax Reduction

ECO4 Support Available:

• Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Energy Company Obligation
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO4) Guidance: Delivery V1.1
• Ofgem Energy Company Obligation (ECO)
• UK Government, Help from your energy supplier: the Energy Company Obligation
• Which? Energy Company Obligation (ECO)

Other Support Available:

• Household Support Fund
• Cold Weather Payment
• Cost of Living
• Fuel Vouchers