Pension Credit
Extra Money to Help with Your Living Costs
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as rent or service charges.
You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
Who Can Get Pension Credit
You can get Pension Credit if you have reached state pension age. If you are a couple, you both need to have reached state pension age. You don’t have to be married or in a civil partnership. You’re considered a couple if you live together.
Your Income
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together. Visit Pension Credit Eligibility for more information.
Guarantee Credit
Pension Credit doesn’t just top up your income. It can also help you get other support. You may get extra money if you have other responsibilities and costs.
The top up and extra amounts are known as ‘Guarantee Credit’.
This may mean only a few extra pounds per week, but it can help you get other benefits. These include:
- A free TV Licence
- Free NHS dental treatment and check-ups
- Free sight tests, vouchers for glasses and contact lenses
- Help with council tax, housing costs and heating bills in the colder months
You have nothing to lose by applying, and you could get a lot of extra help.