Pension Credit
The Winter Fuel Payment is a payment you can get once a year to help you pay for heating during the winter.
The rules for Winter Fuel Payments have recently changed. From Winter 2024 you’ll now only get the payment if you or your partner get certain benefits, like Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is worth (on average) £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including Winter Fuel Payments, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction, NHS dental care and, for those over the age of 75, a free TV licence. Could you or someone you know get Pension Credit? Check today.
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age, on a low income.
There are 2 parts to Pension Credit. They're called:
- Guarantee Credit, this is the main part of Pension Credit. It tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £218.15 a week for single pensioners or £332.95 for couples (you may get slightly more if you claim certain disability-related benefits, or have caring responsibilities).
- Savings Credit a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings. It’s only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
You might get one or both parts.
Could you get pension credit?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and savings, a private pension or owning a home does not mean you won’t qualify for it.
When you apply for Pension Credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together.
If your income is higher, you may still be eligible for Pension Credit if you have a disability, care for someone, or have housing costs.
How much is it?
Pension Credit tops up:
- your weekly income up to £218.15 if you’re single
- your joint weekly income up to £332.95 if you have a partner
Find out how much Pension Credit you could get
Use the Pension Credit calculator to find out how much Pension Credit you could get – without giving any personal details.
How to apply
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.
Information you’ll need
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- information about any income, savings and investments you have
- bank account details
Apply online
You can apply for Pension Credit on the GOV.UK website if you have already applied for your State Pension.
Apply by phone
Contact the Pension Credit claim line:
- Telephone: 0800 99 1234
- Textphone: 0800 169 0133
- NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
The phone line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm, except public holidays.
Apply by post
To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form.
Help with your application
If you need help applying for Pension Credit, Citizens Advice and Age UK have trained, volunteer benefit advisors that can assist.
For further information about Pension Credit visit the Pension Credit page on the government’s website.
Pension Credit: A British Sign Language guide for people with hearing impairments.
Get help from Pension Credit, this easy read guide explains how you can get help from Pension Credit and how to claim it.