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Are you missing Pension Credit?

Q: How do I apply for Pension Credit?

Apply by calling the Pension Credit claim line free on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), online at GOV.UK, or by post. You can claim up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age. Backdating is possible for up to 3 months.

Last verified 5 Jun 2026 · Source DWP + GOV.UK

Around 760,000 UK pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit don't claim it — the average successful claim is worth about £4,200 a year and unlocks the free TV Licence, Council Tax Reduction, Warm Home Discount and the Winter Fuel Payment. Here's plain English on whether you qualify, how to claim, and how to call the right number.

£218.15Weekly top-up if single (2025/26)

£332.95Weekly top-up for couples (2025/26)

~£4,200Average yearly value

760k+UK pensioners missing it (DWP)

How do I claim? Run the benefits checker

Who is eligible?

You can usually claim Pension Credit if you live in the UK and you (or your partner if you live together) have reached State Pension age. Pension Credit tops your weekly income up to a minimum amount.

2025/26 weekly top-up limits

£218.15 a week if you're single
£332.95 a week if you're in a couple

Even £1 a week of Pension Credit acts as a "passport" to other support — so it's worth claiming even if the top-up is small.

Common myth You can still qualify even if you own your home, have a private pension, or have some savings. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored. Above £10,000, every extra £500 counts as just £1 a week of income.

What Pension Credit unlocks

This is the part most pensioners don't realise. Even £1 of Pension Credit is the "key" to several other forms of support:

Free TV Licence if you're 75 or over (worth £169.50 a year)
Council Tax Reduction from your local council (worth up to £2,000+ a year)
Warm Home Discount — £150 off your electricity bill in winter
Cold Weather Payments — £25 for each week of very cold weather
Winter Fuel Payment — £200–£300 for the 2024/25 winter (low-income pensioners only)
Housing Benefit if you rent
Free NHS dental treatment, glasses and travel costs to hospital
Cost of living payments when the government announces them

Add these up and a successful Pension Credit claim is often worth far more than the headline £4,200 figure.

How to claim

Claim it now — free · about 15 minutes

📞 Call 0800 99 1234 — they fill in the form for you Apply online at GOV.UK →

Have ready: your National Insurance number, bank details, and details of any savings and pensions. Lines open Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm. A successful claim backdates up to 3 months.

There are three ways to claim Pension Credit. All three are free.

By phone (easiest) — call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. They'll fill in the form for you over the phone. Have your National Insurance number, bank details, and details of any savings or other pensions to hand.
Online — via GOV.UK Pension Credit if you also claim State Pension and you're applying after reaching State Pension age.
By post — download the claim form from GOV.UK and post it to the address listed on the form.

You can backdate Pension Credit can be backdated by up to 3 months, which means a successful claim can result in a lump sum of around £1,000 on top of the regular weekly amount. Don't delay applying.

Want Sorted to check what else you may be missing? Run "What am I missing?"

What if my Pension Credit claim is refused?

You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration within one month of receiving the decision letter. If that's also refused, you can appeal to a Tribunal within a further month.

Sorted's letter decoder can explain any DWP decision letter in plain English, and the letter writer drafts a Mandatory Reconsideration in your tone. For free, regulated benefits advice, Age UK Advice on 0800 678 1602 and Citizens Advice on 0800 144 8848 are both excellent.

Sorted's plain English summary

Reached State Pension age? Always run the check — even with savings or a private pension.
Even £1 of Pension Credit unlocks thousands more in other support.
Call 0800 99 1234 — they fill in the form for you.
If refused, request a Mandatory Reconsideration within 1 month.

Pension Credit — common questions

Who is eligible for Pension Credit?

You can usually claim Pension Credit if you live in the UK and you (or your partner) have reached State Pension age. Your weekly income must be below £218.15 if single or £332.95 if you have a partner (2025/26 rates). Savings, a private pension and a paid-off home do not automatically disqualify you.

How much is Pension Credit in 2025?

Pension Credit tops your weekly income up to £218.15 (single) or £332.95 (couple). The average successful claim is worth around £4,200 a year. There are extra amounts if you are a carer, severely disabled, or have housing costs.

Does Pension Credit affect my State Pension?

No. Pension Credit is a top-up on top of your State Pension. Claiming Pension Credit does not reduce your State Pension.

What does Pension Credit unlock?

Even £1 of Pension Credit can unlock a free TV Licence (over 75), Council Tax Reduction, Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payment, Housing Benefit, free NHS dental and the annual Winter Fuel Payment for low-income pensioners.

How do I apply for Pension Credit?

Apply by calling the Pension Credit claim line free on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm), online at GOV.UK, or by post. You can claim up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age. Backdating is possible for up to 3 months.

Can I claim Pension Credit if I have savings?

Yes. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored entirely. Above £10,000, every £500 counts as £1 a week of income. Many pensioners with modest savings still qualify.

Sources Pension Credit weekly rates · GOV.UK. Take-up statistics · DWP Income-related benefits take-up. State Pension age · GOV.UK State Pension age. Free TV Licence · TV Licensing. Last reviewed: May 2026.

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