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.

The DWP have extended how Pension Credit can be claimed, due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak. If you live in England, Wales or Scotland, you can call the Pension Credit claim line, Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, on:

  • 0800 99 1234 
  • Textphone 0800 169 0133

Claims can now also be made online by visiting www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim 

For Northern Ireland call the Pension Centre Application Line on: 

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:

  • 0800 731 0469
  • Textphone 0800 731 0464

Did this answer your question?

Related questions

Brought to you by