Increase your retirement income with Pension Credit

Pension Credit is extra money you can claim after you’ve reached State Pension ageOpens in a new window – even if you do not qualify for the State Pension. 

Pension Credit tops up your income to a set level depending on your circumstances. It also means you’ll be entitled to other help, such as a free TV licence and discounts on your bills. This could make you better off by thousands of pounds a year. 

You’ll usually qualify for Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than:  

• £218 if you’re single, or 
• £333 if you’re a couple. 

You may still be eligible if your income is higher, especially if you have a disability, look after children, care for someone or have certain housing costs like ground rent. 

This means it’s always worth checking if you’re entitled to Pension Credit, as the eligibility criteria is complicated.

Pension Credit rates will go up by 4.1% from April 2025, meaning you could claim up to £227.10 a week if you’re single or £346.60 a week as a couple. 

Our quick and easy Benefits calculator will work this out for you, or see Pension Credit – what you’ll getOpens in a new window on GOV.UK for more information.

Our Benefits calculator will quickly show if you’re likely to be eligible for any extra payments, including Pension Credit and other grants.

You can claim Pension Credit even if you have savings or own your home, so always check you’re not missing out on money you’re entitled to.

You can also:

• speak to a free Pension Credit adviser  

• use the Pension Credit calculatorOpens in a new window on GOV.UK   

You can apply for Pension Credit from four months before you reach State Pension ageOpens in a new window – or any time after. 

Don’t delay your claim. Your payment can only be backdated by up to three months so you might miss out on money if you wait.

If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you can apply for Pension Credit:

• online on GOV.UK – claim Pension CreditOpens in a new window – if you’ve already applied for your State Pension 

• by calling 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)

• by posting the Pension Credit application formOpens in a new window

If you live in Northern Ireland, you can apply for Pension Credit:

• online on nidirect – apply for Pension CreditOpens in a new window – if you’ve already applied for your State Pension 

• by calling 0808 100 6165 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm)

• by posting the Pension Credit application formOpens in a new window

If you haven’t already, you can also apply for your State Pension.  

When you start claiming Pension Credit, you’ll usually be eligible for other helpful benefits that could be worth hundreds a year.

Some are automatic but others you’ll need to make a separate claim for. Here’s how it works:  

1. Extra money for your heating bills is usually paid automatically, including the: 
   • Winter Fuel PaymentOpens in a new window in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, worth up to £300 a year
   • Winter Heating PaymentOpens in a new window in Scotland, worth £58.75 a year
   • Warm Home DiscountOpens in a new window in England, Scotland and Wales – a £150 credit paid to your electricity provider. 
2. If you rent, you can apply for Housing BenefitOpens in a new window for help paying it.Opens in a new window
3. If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage, you can apply for an interest-free Support for Mortgage Interest loan from the government to help pay your mortgage interest. 
4. You can apply for a Council Tax or Rates discount of up to 100%:
   • in England, Scotland and Wales, find details of your local Council Tax Reduction schemeOpens in a new window on GOV.UK.
   • in Northern Ireland, you can apply for Rate RebateOpens in a new window on nidirect.
5. Tell your optician or dentist you receive Pension Credit to get: 
   • free dental appointments and treatment  
   • free eye tests, and 
   • discounts on glasses and contact lenses. 

For other help you can claim, including a free bus pass, see our guide Benefits in retirement. 

For support and advice with your Pension Credit claim, you can use AdvicelocalOpens in a new window to find benefits specialists near you. 

An adviser can help explain all the benefits and grants you’re eligible for and might be able to complete the application for you.