Pension Credits
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit designed to provide additional financial support to people who have reached the State Pension age and are on a low income. This guide will explain who is eligible, how much you can receive, and how to apply. Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your income if you're retired and have a low income. It's split into two parts:
- Guarantee Credit – This tops up your weekly income to a minimum level.
- Savings Credit – An extra payment for people who have saved some money for retirement, such as through pensions or investments (only available for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016).
Who Can Claim Pension Credit?
You may be eligible for Pension Credit if:
- You or your partner (defined as your spouse, civil partner, or someone you live with as though you're married) have reached the State Pension age.
- You live in England, Scotland, or Wales (for Northern Ireland, there’s a separate process).
Eligibility for Guarantee Credit is based on your income. If your income is below £201.05 a week for single people or £306.85 for couples (in the 2024/25 tax year), you may qualify.
Savings Credit is only available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
How Much Pension Credit Can You Get?
Guarantee Credit: Tops up your weekly income to:
- £201.05 if you're single
- £306.85 if you're in a couple
These amounts can be higher if you qualify for extra support, such as housing costs or if you're a carer.
- Savings Credit (for those eligible): You could receive up to:
- £15.94 per week if you’re single
- £17.84 per week if you’re a couple
Additional Benefits of Pension Credit
If you qualify for Pension Credit, you might also be entitled to additional benefits such as:
- Free TV licence (if you’re over 75)
- Help with NHS costs, including free dental care and glasses
- Council Tax reduction
- Cold Weather Payments
- Housing Benefit
How to Apply for Pension Credit
Applying for Pension Credit is straightforward and can be done in several ways:
- By Phone:
- Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). You will need the following information:
- Your National Insurance number
- Information about your income, savings, and investments
- Details of your bank account
- Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). You will need the following information:
- Online:
- You can also apply for Pension Credit online through the UK government’s official website here.
- By Post:
- Download and fill out the Pension Credit claim form from the UK government website, then send it to: The Pension Service, Post Handling Site A, Wolverhampton, WV98 1AF
Why Should You Apply for Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a vital support for pensioners on a low income, and many people don’t realise they’re entitled to it. Even if you think you might not qualify, it’s worth checking, as it could make a significant difference in your financial situation.
Need Help?
If you're unsure whether you qualify for Pension Credit or need help with the application process, you can contact the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 731 0469 or visit a local Citizens Advice office
Save Winter Fuel Payments
The new Labour Government is failing older people across the country, with their cuts to the Winter Fuel Payments.
- Household heating bills are set to rise again this winter. Yet one of the first acts of this new Labour Government has been to remove the £300 winter fuel payment from millions of pensioners.
- Stopping these payments is just plain wrong - and Liberal Democrats will fight this decision.
- Vulnerable older people in our community should not be forced to choose between eating and heating this winter. Major charities - including Age UK - have spoken out against this cut, arguing it risks damaging the health of so many older people.
- Lib Dem MPs in Parliament have been leading calls for the new Government to re-think this damaging decision.
The government has announced changes to winter fuel payments to be implemented in the Social Fund Winter Fuel Payment Regulations 2024. The government intends for payments to be means tested. People not in receipt of pension credit or “certain other means-tested benefits” would no longer receive winter fuel payments.
As part of the change, the chancellor announced that people not in receipt of pension credit or “certain other means-tested benefits” would no longer receive winter fuel payments. People who received pension credit would continue to get winter fuel payments of £200, or £300 for households in receipt of the credit where someone was aged over 80.
Save Winter Fuel Payments
Back the Liberal Democrat campaign to protect the Winter Fuel Payment. We urge the Labour Government to reverse their damaging decision - which will leave many older people vulnerable this winter.