Pension Credit
Pension Credit is worth on average, £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including the winter fuel payment, help with council tax (you will need to make a separate application to the council for this) NHS dental care and for those over 75 a free TV licence.
You may be eligible for Pension Credit:-
- If you have some savings
- If you receive a small occupational pension
- If you own your own home
- Even if you’re not entitled to a State pension
It’s also possible that a change in circumstances can make someone newly eligible, for example a bereavement or new caring responsibilities.
Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply for Pension Credit and have the claim backdated by up to 3 months - so long as there is entitlement during that time. This means that the latest date to apply and still qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment is 21st December 2024.
Use the Pension Credit Calculator to check how much Pension Credit you might be eligible for.
You can claim online by using the Pension Credit online service or by telephoning 0800 99 1234, if English is not your first language a phone interpreter can be arranged, if needed. Very vulnerable claimants can request the Pension Service’s home-visiting service.
Find out more about the information you’ll need for your application on Pension Credit on the Gov.UK website.
- National insurance number
- Details of income - how much and how often it is paid
- Details of any savings or investments
- Information on housing costs, such as mortgage interest, service charges or ground rent
If someone has a partner, they'll need to have the same information about them.
The Pension Credit claimant guide contains basic information about Pension Credit and how to claim.
Explore the stakeholder toolkit from the Department for Work & Pensions to help promote Pension Credit in the community.