Pension Credit
What is it?
Pension Credit is a benefit to help with your living costs, as well as your housing costs, such as rent or service charges, if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. It is important to claim Pension Credit as this will also enable you to receive the Winter Fuel Payment from the government.
Will I be eligible?
If you are a single adult, over state pension age and your weekly income is below £218.15, you will be eligible. If you have a partner and your joint weekly income is less than £332.95, then you should be entitled to Pension Credit. If your income is higher, you may still be eligible if you have a disability, you are a carer, you have savings or have housing costs. You can still claim Pension Credit if you have savings, have another income or own your own home.
Would I be entitled to anything else?
If you’re eligible for Pension Credit, then you will automatically get cold weather payments. You will also be eligible to apply for a free TV licence if you’re 75 or over and you’ll also get help with NHS costs if you’re eligible for Guarantee Credit. Included in the NHS costs are prescriptions, glasses, dental treatments and transport costs for hospital appointments.
How do I apply?
- To apply online, please visit https://apply-for-pensioncredit.service.gov.uk/apply-citizen-ui/start.
- To apply by post, you can print and fill out the Pension
- Credit claim form by visiting www.gov.uk/pensioncredit/how-to-claim.
- To apply by phone, please call 0800 99 1234 and they will complete an application form for you over the phone.
- Their lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
Information you will need
- Your National Insurance number.
- Your bank details including your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
- Information about your income, savings and any investments you may have.
- Your pension information.
- Housing costs information such as service charges, mortgage, rent or interest payments.
- If you have a partner, you will need to supply their details.