Pension Credit is a payment from the government which could help members with their living costs if they’re over State Pension age and on a low income. It’s separate from the State Pension, and members may still be able to claim it even if they have another income, savings or are claiming another pension. 

Who is eligible for Pension Credit?

To claim Pension Credit members must have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales. Even if members are still working, they may be able to claim Pension Credit to top up their income if they’re over State Pension age. 

Members can apply for Pension Credit up to four months before they reach State Pension age, and any time after. It’s worth bearing in mind that if members are eligible for Pension Credit it can only be backdated by up to three months. 

Members can use the Gov.uk website to check their State Pension age. Their State Pension age will depend on when they were born. 

Applying for Pension Credit

When members apply for Pension Credit the government will consider their income. If they have a partner, their income will also be included. 

Income includes:
• Any other pensions members have, including pensions they have not claimed yet
• The State Pension
• Earnings from employment or self-employment
• Most social security benefits

The government will also consider their savings and investments.

Using this information, the government will then calculate the amount of Pension Credit members will be able to get.

Members can visit Gov.uk to find out if they may be able to claim Pension Credit and for more guidance on how to apply.

How Pension Credit works

If members are eligible, Pension Credit tops up their income to £182.60 a week if they’re single. Or if they have a partner, Pension Credit will increase their combined weekly income to £278.70.*

If members are eligible for Pension Credit, it could help them with day-to-day living costs such as Council Tax, housing costs, NHS Services and heating bills, so it’s worthwhile looking into.

Even if members have savings or receive another pension, members may be entitled to Savings Credit. To claim Savings Credit, members must have reached State Pension Age before 6th April 2016, and have saved some money for when they stop working, such as a pension. If members are eligible, they will get up to £14.48 Savings Credit a week if they’re single, and if they have a partner, they’ll get up to £16.20 a week.*

If members want to find out how much Pension Credit they could get, members can use the Pension Credit Calculator.

*Figures are correct as of August 2022 but may change. To check the latest figures, visit Pension Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or Pension Credit: What you'll get - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)