What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit, a means-tested benefit for older people who have a relatively low income and have reached the qualifying age. Because it is means-tested, your personal circumstances and the level of your income, savings and any other capital determine if you qualify for it, and how much you will get. It is not taxable.

If you live with a partner, their financial circumstances are also taken into account. Pension Credit is administered by the Pension Service, part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

The elements of Pension Credit:

  • The Guarantee Credit is for people who have reached the qualifying age and is designed to top up your income to a minimum level. It is intended to provide for your basic living expenses.
  • Savings Credit is available to qualifying claimants aged 65 or over. However, following a change to the law in 2016, it is being phased out and is only available to existing recipients, and to people who reached state pension age on or before 6 April 2016.

You might be eligible to receive more Pension Credit if you are receiving certain disability benefits or if you have someone looking after you.

If you live in England, Wales or Scotland, you can call the Pension Credit claim line, Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm, on 0800 991 234 or textphone 0800 169 0133.

Claims can now also be made online via the GOV.uk website.

If you live in Northern Ireland call the Pension Centre Application Line on 0808 100 6165 or download a form from nidirect.gov.uk.

For information about your State Pension and changes in circumstances such as address and bank details please contact the State Pension / Pension Credit Changes line on 0800 731 0469 or textphone 0800 731 0464.

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