How do I claim Pension Credit UK?

Call 0800 99 1234 (free Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm) or apply online at gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. You can backdate by up to 3 months.

Does having savings affect Pension Credit?

Having savings does not automatically disqualify you but large savings above £10,000 may reduce the amount you receive. Use the gov.uk calculator to check your specific situation.

pension ⏱ 3 min read 📅 Updated Apr 2026

What Is Pension Credit UK 2026? Who Qualifies and How to Claim

Q: What is Pension Credit UK?

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your weekly income to at least £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple) if you are over State Pension age and on a low income.

Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor, Kaeltripton

Published 3 Apr 2026

Last reviewed 18 Apr 2026

✓ Fact-checked

What Is Pension Credit UK 2026? Who Qualifies and How to Claim

Benefits Guide — April 2026

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your weekly income if you are over State Pension age and have a low income. It is one of the most underclaimed benefits in the UK — an estimated 800,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming it, missing out on an average of £3,900 per year.

Two Parts of Pension Credit

Part	What It Does	2026/27 Amount
Guarantee Credit	Tops up weekly income to a minimum level	£227.10/week single — £346.60/week couple
Savings Credit	Extra amount if you saved for retirement	Up to £17.01/week single — £19.04/week couple — only for those who reached State Pension age before April 2016

Who Qualifies for Pension Credit?

You must be over State Pension age (currently 66)
You must live in England Scotland or Wales
Your weekly income must be below £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple)
You can still qualify if you have savings — but large savings may reduce the amount
You do not need to have paid National Insurance contributions

What Counts as Income?

Counted as Income	Not Counted as Income
State Pension	Attendance Allowance
Private or workplace pensions	Disability Living Allowance
Most benefits	Personal Independence Payment
Earnings from work	Housing Benefit
Savings interest above certain level	Council Tax Reduction

How Much Could You Get?

If your only income is the full new State Pension of £241.30/week you are below the Guarantee Credit threshold of £227.10/week — wait, the State Pension is actually above the threshold in 2026/27. However if your State Pension is below the full amount or you have other circumstances you may still qualify. Use the free Pension Credit calculator at gov.uk to check.

How to Claim Pension Credit

Call the Pension Credit claim line: 0800 99 1234 (free Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)
Apply online at gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
You can backdate a claim by up to 3 months
Claiming Pension Credit also unlocks other benefits — Housing Benefit Council Tax Reduction free TV licence for over 75s cold weather payments

Bottom line: If you or someone you know is over 66 and on a low income call 0800 99 1234 right now. An estimated 800,000 eligible pensioners are not claiming Pension Credit — missing out on an average of £3,900 per year. Claiming also unlocks free TV licence Housing Benefit and cold weather payments.

By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated April 2026 · kaeltripton.com

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Chandraketu Tripathi

Finance Editor · Kaeltripton.com

Chandraketu (CK) Tripathi, founder and lead editor of Kael Tripton. 22 years in finance and marketing across 23 markets. Writes on UK personal finance, tax, mortgages, insurance, energy, and investing. Sources: HMRC, FCA, Ofgem, BoE, ONS.