Help With Pension Credit Applications
Large numbers of pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit never claim it — often because they assume they won't qualify, or because the application feels complicated. If you suspect you — or a parent or relative — might be missing out, we can check and help you apply.
What Is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit that tops up your weekly income if it's below a certain amount. It's separate from your State Pension, and you can claim it whether you're working or not.
It's also a "gateway" benefit — receiving it can unlock help with housing costs, Council Tax, heating bills and health costs, which for many people is worth as much as the payment itself.
Could You Be Missing Out on Pension Credit?
You may be able to claim Pension Credit if:
Headline income alone doesn't decide entitlement — extra amounts for disability, caring responsibilities and housing costs mean many people qualify who assume they won't. It's always worth checking rather than ruling yourself out.
We support people living in England and Wales. The DWP's own residence and presence conditions apply to every claim and are checked as part of the application.
Current Pension Credit Rates
Guarantee Credit
Tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount (2026/27):
- £238.00 a week if you're single
- £363.25 a week if you have a partner
You may get more than this if you have a severe disability, care for someone, or have certain housing costs.
Savings Credit
Extra money if you saved towards your retirement — up to (2026/27):
- £17.96 a week if you're single
- £20.10 a week for couples
Savings Credit is only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Rates are reviewed each April. You can check current figures on theGOV.UK Pension Credit guidance.
What Income and Savings Are Considered?
When the DWP works out your entitlement, your income can include:
- • State Pension
- • Other pensions — workplace or personal
- • Earnings from employment or self-employment
- • Most social security benefits (though some, like Attendance Allowance, are ignored)
Savings: if you have more than £10,000 in savings and investments, every £500 (or part of £500) over that amount counts as £1 a week of income. Savings under £10,000 don't affect your claim.
Benefits Check and Application Support
Benefits Check
We'll look at your whole picture — income, savings, housing costs and other circumstances — to see whether Pension Credit is likely to apply to you.
Gather Information
We'll help you collect details about your income, savings, and any housing costs.
Complete Application
We can help you complete the application at home or on the phone.
Follow Up
Claims are usually processed within a few weeks. If approved, your claim can be backdated — so it's worth applying sooner rather than later.
Helping a Parent or Relative
Pension Credit is one of the most commonly under-claimed benefits. If you think an older parent or relative might be entitled — for example if they're managing on a modest State Pension alone — you can contact us on their behalf.
We'll talk through their situation with you, then work with them directly to check entitlement and complete the application, including home visits where needed.
Ask About Help for a RelativeWhat Else Can Pension Credit Help With?
Because Pension Credit is a gateway benefit, claiming it can open the door to:
Housing Benefit and help with rent
Council Tax Reduction
A free TV licence if you're 75 or over and getting Pension Credit
The Warm Home Discount on your energy bills
Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and travel to hospital
Cold Weather Payments in cold snaps
If you're also finding daily tasks difficult because of illness or disability, anAttendance Allowance awardcan increase your Pension Credit entitlement — we can check both together.
Common Pension Credit Questions
Can Pension Credit be backdated?
Yes — Pension Credit can usually be backdated for up to 3 months, so it's worth claiming even if you think you should have applied earlier.
Can I claim while I'm still working?
You can. Your earnings are taken into account when your entitlement is worked out, but working doesn't automatically rule you out.
I have savings — is it still worth applying?
Often, yes. Savings under £10,000 don't count at all, and even above that only a notional income is added. Combined with extra amounts for disability, caring or housing costs, many people with savings still qualify.
Will claiming affect my other benefits?
Claiming Pension Credit can unlock extra support — for example Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and help with health costs.
Information reviewed: October 2026 · Sources: GOV.UK Pension Credit guidance
Could You Be Missing Out on Pension Credit?
Let us check your position and help you apply