Pension Credit: what it is, how much it pays and who can claim
Published · 3 min read · Figures checked . UK rules and rates change, so check the official sources below before you act.
Pension Credit tops up the weekly income of people over State Pension age who are on a low income. This guide explains the two parts, the weekly amounts on GOV.UK, who can claim, how savings count and how to apply.
Who this guide is for
This guide is general information for people who live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. GOV.UK says different rules apply in Northern Ireland, where nidirect.gov.uk is the place to look. It is not advice for your own situation.
The figures below were shown on GOV.UK on 7 October 2026. GOV.UK does not label them with a tax year, so they are given here as the current figures on that date.
What Pension Credit is
GOV.UK says Pension Credit gives extra money towards living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can be paid even if you have other income, savings or own your home. It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
There are two parts, Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Guarantee Credit tops your weekly income up to a minimum level. Savings Credit is an extra amount for some people.
Who can claim
GOV.UK says you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. Higher income does not always rule people out, because extra amounts can apply for disability, caring responsibilities, savings or housing costs.
- Income that counts includes State Pension, other pensions, earnings and most social security benefits, such as Carer's Allowance.
- Some benefits do not count, including Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit and Personal Independence Payment.
- People from the EU or EEA usually also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
How savings are treated
GOV.UK says savings of £10,000 or less do not affect eligibility. Above £10,000, every £500 counts as £1 of weekly income.
How to claim
You can apply up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. GOV.UK says claims can be backdated by 3 months, so someone who was eligible in that time may receive payments for it.
- Online, if you have already applied for your State Pension.
- By phone on 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Relay UK and BSL video relay are available.
- By post, using the claim form and the Freepost address on GOV.UK.
You will usually need your National Insurance number, details of your income, savings and investments, information about the previous three months and bank account details.
Free help
Many people are unsure whether they qualify, and the only way to know is to check. Free, impartial help is available from Citizens Advice and from MoneyHelper, which is run by the Money and Pensions Service.
Check before you act
Benefit rates and rules change, usually each April, and your own situation will decide what you receive. It is worth confirming the figures on the official GOV.UK pages linked below before relying on anything in this guide.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
