TL;DR
Up to 880,000 eligible pensioners do not claim Pension Credit, which unlocks Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, free TV licences for the over-75s and Council Tax Reduction. The full list of extra support is below.
Around 880,000 eligible UK state pensioners do not claim Pension Credit each year, the DWP estimates, missing out on cash payments and discounts worth thousands of pounds. The benefit acts as a gateway to several other entitlements that pensioners on low incomes can apply for through gov.uk.
Pension Credit as the gateway benefit
Pension Credit tops up weekly income to £218.15 for a single pensioner and £332.95 for a couple under the 2026-27 standard minimum guarantee. Higher amounts apply where the claimant has caring responsibilities, severe disability or eligible housing costs.
Claims can be made by phone on 0800 99 1234 or online through the gov.uk Pension Credit portal. Backdated claims of up to three months are possible, so a successful claim made in summer can include the previous winter.
Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment
Winter Fuel Payment is £200 for households with someone aged between State Pension age and 79 and £300 where someone in the household is aged 80 or over during the qualifying week.
Cold Weather Payment is £25 a week, paid where the average temperature in the claimant's postcode falls to 0C or below for seven consecutive days between November and March. Pension Credit claimants qualify automatically.
Council Tax Reduction and free TV licence
Council Tax Reduction is operated by each local authority. Most councils offer a reduction of between 20 and 100 per cent of the bill for pensioners on low incomes, with full reductions for Pension Credit guarantee credit claimants in many areas.
Free TV licences for the over-75s remain available to households where someone is 75 or over and receives Pension Credit. Applications go through the TV Licensing website on tvlicensing.co.uk.
Health and travel discounts
Pensioners receive free NHS prescriptions from age 60 in England, free eye tests on the NHS, and free flu vaccinations every winter. The NHS Low Income Scheme covers dental treatment and travel costs for some pensioners on Pension Credit.
The over-60s bus pass scheme operates in different forms across the UK. London Freedom Pass and Senior Railcard discount eligibility apply alongside the local pass arrangements.
Other support pensioners often miss
Attendance Allowance is paid to pensioners who need help with personal care or supervision because of a physical or mental disability. The lower weekly rate is £73.90 and the higher rate is £110.40 in 2026-27.
The Warm Home Discount Scheme provides a £150 credit against the electricity bill for eligible Pension Credit and low-income households. Most large suppliers run the scheme through automatic identification of eligible accounts.
Key facts
- Pension Credit tops income to £218.15 a week for a single pensioner.
- Around 880,000 eligible pensioners do not claim Pension Credit.
- Attendance Allowance pays £73.90 or £110.40 a week.
- Winter Fuel Payment is £200 or £300 depending on age.
- Warm Home Discount is £150 against the electricity bill.
FAQ
Who qualifies for Pension Credit in 2026-27?
Single pensioners with weekly income under £218.15 and couples with combined income under £332.95 qualify for the standard minimum guarantee. Higher thresholds apply for those with disabilities, caring duties or eligible housing costs.
How do I claim Pension Credit?
Apply online at gov.uk or by phone on 0800 99 1234. Claims can be backdated by up to three months, so a successful claim made in summer can include the previous winter.
Will Pension Credit affect other benefits?
Pension Credit guarantees additional support rather than reducing other benefits. It unlocks Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payment, free TV licences for the over-75s and full Council Tax Reduction in most areas.
Can I claim Attendance Allowance on top?
Yes, Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and is paid on top of State Pension and Pension Credit. The rates are £73.90 a week at the lower rate and £110.40 a week at the higher rate.
