Pension Credit in the UK: Eligibility, Rates and How to Claim (2025/26 Guide)

Who Can Get Pension Credit?

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To qualify, you must:

- Have reached State Pension age (currently 66 for men and women).
- Have income below the minimum government threshold (for Guarantee Credit).
- Meet additional criteria depending on your household income, savings, and whether you reached State Pension age before or after April 2016.

You can use the Gov.uk Pension Credit eligibility checker to confirm your status before applying.

Pension Credit Rates and Requirements (2025/26)

How Savings Affect Pension Credit

If you have more than £10,000 in savings, £1 is added to your assessed weekly income for every £500 (or part of £500) above this amount.

Example Calculation

If your total weekly income is below the appropriate minimum guarantee, Guarantee Credit will top it up to the required amount. For example:

1. If your weekly income is £167.18 as a single person
2. And the minimum guarantee is £227.10 → You would receive £59.92 a week in Guarantee Credit.

Additional Benefits Linked to Pension Credit

If you receive Pension Credit, you may also qualify for:

- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax reduction
- Warm Home Discount
- Cold Weather Payment / Winter Heating Payment
- Help with NHS costs, including glasses, dental treatment, and travel to hospital
- Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over

This means Pension Credit can provide far more value than the payment alone.

How to Claim Pension Credit

You can apply:

1. By phone: Pension Credit claim line 0800 99 1234
2. Online (if you have already claimed State Pension)
3. By post, using a form downloaded from Gov.uk

You will need:

- National Insurance number
- Details of income and pensions
- Information about savings and investments
- Bank account details

Claims can be backdated for up to 3 months, if you were eligible during that time.

Pension Credit FAQ (Optimised for Featured Snippets)

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that increases the income of older people who have reached State Pension age and have a low income.

How much Pension Credit could I receive?

If you qualify for Guarantee Credit, your weekly income will be topped up to the government minimum. If eligible for Savings Credit, you could receive an additional weekly amount.

Do savings affect Pension Credit?

Yes. Savings above £10,000 reduce Pension Credit entitlement, as £1 of weekly income is assumed for every £500 over the threshold.

Can couples apply for Pension Credit?

Yes, but mixed-age couples may need to claim Universal Credit until both partners reach State Pension age.

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