Pension Credit in 2026/27: the £238 and £363.25 weekly top-ups and how to 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 weekly income for people over State Pension age. This guide explains the 2026/27 amounts, who can claim in Great Britain, how savings count, how to apply and what else it can open the door to.
What Pension Credit is
Pension Credit is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a low income. It is separate from the State Pension itself. You can qualify even if you have some savings or own your home.
It has two parts. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a set level. Savings Credit is a smaller extra payment that only some people can get, explained below.
Who this affects
The rules on this page apply to people living in England, Scotland or Wales who have reached State Pension age. If you have a partner, they must be included in the claim. You qualify if you both have reached State Pension age, or if one of you gets Housing Benefit and is over State Pension age.
Northern Ireland has separate arrangements, so it is not covered here. The guide also does not apply to people below State Pension age.
How income and savings are counted
Your income includes State Pension, other pensions, earnings, self-employment income and most social security benefits, such as Carer's Allowance. Some payments are not counted, including Attendance Allowance, Child Benefit, Personal Independence Payment, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Winter Fuel Payment.
Savings and investments of £10,000 or less do not affect eligibility. Above that, every £500 counts as £1 a week of income. For example, £11,000 of savings counts as £2 a week.
- If your income is above the Guarantee Credit level, you may still qualify if you have a disability, care for someone, have housing costs or have savings.
- GOV.UK lists extra weekly amounts, for example £86.05 for severe disability and £48.15 for caring for another adult.
Why it can matter beyond the payment
GOV.UK says Pension Credit can open access to other help. This includes Housing Benefit for renters, Support for Mortgage Interest for owners, Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence for people aged 75 or over, help with NHS costs, the Warm Home Discount and Cold Weather Payments. Which of these apply depends on your circumstances.
How to claim
There are three ways to apply. You can call 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Relay UK users can dial 18001 then 0800 99 1234. You can apply online, though you need to have already applied for your State Pension. You can also use a paper form sent to a Freepost address.
You can apply up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. After that you can apply at any time, but a claim can only be backdated by 3 months. This means a first payment may include up to 3 months of Pension Credit if you were eligible then.
Many people find it useful to have these to hand: National Insurance numbers for you and any partner, details of income, savings and investments, and bank account details.
Free help
Free, impartial guidance on benefits and money is available from Citizens Advice and from MoneyHelper. A friend or family member can also make the phone call for you.
Check before you act
Rates, limits and rules change, and the figures above were checked on 13 October 2026. It can be worth confirming the details on the official GOV.UK pages linked below before making a claim.
Sources
For information only. See our disclaimer and editorial standards. Spotted an error? Tell us.
