Pension Credit · UK guide

Are you missing Pension Credit?

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 the right number to call.

£238.00Weekly top-up if single (2026/27)
£363.25Weekly top-up for couples (2026/27)
~£4,200Average yearly value
760k+UK pensioners missing it (DWP)
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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.

2026/27 weekly top-up limits

  • £238.00 a week if you're single
  • £363.25 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 mythYou 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 £180 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 low-income pensioners
  • 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.

  1. 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.
  2. Online — via GOV.UK Pension Credit if you also claim State Pension and you're applying after reaching State Pension age.
  3. By post — download the claim form from GOV.UK and post it to the address listed on the form.
You can backdatePension 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.
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What if my 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.
Source verification Primary source: Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) · gov.uk/pension-credit. Last verified 1 June 2026. Confidence: High — published rate. Framework: State Pension Credit Act 2002 + DWP rates 2026/27. Reviewed quarterly and at tax-year start.

Also see: Mixed-age couples — the rule that costs thousands · NI gaps — fill missing years (free credits first)

Common questions

Who is eligible for Pension Credit?

You can usually claim if you live in the UK and you (or your partner) have reached State Pension age. Your weekly income must be below £238.00 if single or £363.25 if you have a partner (2026/27 rates). Savings, a private pension and a paid-off home do not automatically disqualify you.

How much is Pension Credit in 2026?

It tops your weekly income up to £238.00 (single) or £363.25 (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 it 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 claim line free on 0800 99 1234 (Mon–Fri, 8am–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 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. State Pension age · GOV.UK. Free TV Licence · TV Licensing. Last reviewed: May 2026. SortedUK is independent — not a government service.

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