pension
⏱ 3 min read
📅 Updated Apr 2026
What Is Pension Credit UK 2026? Who Qualifies and How to Claim
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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 |
Part of our complete guide: Best Pension Providers UK 2026 - Complete Guide → Find a regulated IFA →
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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.
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