TL;DR
Pension Credit tops up the weekly income of people over State Pension age who are on a low income. For 2026/27, Guarantee Credit lifts income to at least £238.00 a week for a single person and £363.25 for a couple. There is no upper savings limit, and the first £10,000 of savings is ignored. Even a small award unlocks other help such as Council Tax support, the Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment. Hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners do not claim it.
Last reviewed 30 June 2026
What Pension Credit is
Pension Credit is a means-tested, tax-free benefit that tops up the income of people over State Pension age who are on a low income. It sits alongside the State Pension rather than replacing it, and is administered by the Pension Service. It is often described as the safety net for pensioners, and an award also opens the door to a range of other help.
The two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit
Pension Credit has two parts. Guarantee Credit is the main element and tops your weekly income up to a minimum level. Savings Credit is a smaller extra amount for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and made some provision for retirement; it is worth up to around £17.96 a week for a single person and £20.10 for a couple. People who reached State Pension age on or after that date cannot get Savings Credit.
The 2026/27 thresholds
For 2026/27, Guarantee Credit tops your income up to £238.00 a week if you are single and £363.25 a week if you are a couple. If your weekly income is below these figures, Pension Credit generally pays the difference. Because the calculation is more generous than many expect, it is worth applying even if your income is a little above the threshold, particularly if you have a disability, are a carer, or have housing costs.
How savings are treated
Unlike most means-tested benefits, Pension Credit has no upper savings limit. The first £10,000 of savings and investments is ignored completely. Above that, every £500 or part of £500 is treated as giving you £1 a week of assumed income, which is added to your other income for the calculation. This means people with significant savings can still qualify, just with a reduced award.
Extra amounts that can increase your award
Your Pension Credit can be higher than the basic figures if certain circumstances apply. There is a severe disability addition of £86.05 a week for people who receive a qualifying disability benefit such as Attendance Allowance, a carer addition of £48.15 a week, and additional amounts for some housing costs and for children you are responsible for. These additions raise the income level you are topped up to, so more people qualify than the headline thresholds suggest.
Gateway benefits
One of the most valuable features of Pension Credit is that even a small award acts as a passport to other help. Getting Pension Credit can unlock Council Tax support, the Warm Home Discount, the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, help with NHS costs, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over. For many households these gateway benefits are worth more than the Pension Credit itself.
Mixed-age couples
There is an important rule for couples where one partner is over State Pension age and the other is below it. These mixed-age couples generally cannot make a new claim for Pension Credit and must claim Universal Credit instead until both partners reach State Pension age. If this applies to you, it is worth getting advice, because the two systems can produce very different outcomes.
How to claim and why so many miss out
You can claim Pension Credit online, by phone through the Pension Service, or by post, and a claim can be backdated by up to three months. Hundreds of thousands of eligible pensioners do not claim, often because they assume savings rule them out, or that it is only for the very poorest. Given the gateway benefits, it is worth checking entitlement even where the top-up itself would be small.
Related guides
Disclaimer: This article is general information and not financial or welfare advice. Rates and rules are set by the DWP and can change each April. For a personal estimate, use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator or a free adviser such as Citizens Advice or Age UK. Figures are from the GOV.UK sources below.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Pension Credit in 2026/27?
Guarantee Credit tops your weekly income up to £238.00 if you are single and £363.25 if you are a couple. Savings Credit can add a smaller amount for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Does Pension Credit have a savings limit?
No. There is no upper savings limit. The first £10,000 is ignored, and above that £500 of savings is treated as £1 a week of income.
Can I get Pension Credit if I have a disability or am a carer?
Yes, and you may get more. There is a severe disability addition of £86.05 a week and a carer addition of £48.15 a week, which raise the income level you are topped up to.
What other help does Pension Credit unlock?
An award can passport you to Council Tax support, the Warm Home Discount, the Winter Fuel Payment, Cold Weather Payments, NHS cost help, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 and over.
Can a mixed-age couple claim Pension Credit?
Generally no. If one partner is below State Pension age, you usually have to claim Universal Credit instead until both of you reach State Pension age.
Can I backdate a Pension Credit claim?
Yes, by up to three months, provided you were eligible throughout that period.
