Pension Credit
08 October 2026
💷 Pension Credit
Extra Money You May Be Missing Out On
Could you be getting more money each week?
If you have reached State Pension age and you have a low income, you may be able to get Pension Credit.
Pension Credit is extra money from the government to help with everyday living costs.
It is separate from your State Pension.
⭐ You may qualify even if you:
- have savings
- own your own home
- get a private or workplace pension
- are still working
Don't assume you cannot get Pension Credit. It is always worth checking.
🧾 What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a low income.
It can top up your weekly income.
From April 2026, Pension Credit can top up your income to:
👤 Single person £238 a week
👥 Couple £363.25 a week
You may be able to get more if you have extra costs or responsibilities.
For example, you may get more help if you are disabled or care for someone.
Your actual payment will depend on your circumstances.
❓ "I have savings, so I can't get Pension Credit"
That's not always true!
You can still get Pension Credit if you have savings.
The first £10,000 of savings and investments is not counted when working out Pension Credit.
If you have more than £10,000, you may still qualify.
The amount over £10,000 is taken into account when your income is worked out.
💡 The important thing is:
Don't rule yourself out. Check your entitlement.
🏠 "I own my own home, so I can't get it"
That's not true either.
You can get Pension Credit if you own your home.
Your main home is not treated as savings when working out your Pension Credit.
So owning your home does not automatically stop you from getting Pension Credit.
💼 "I get a private pension"
You may still be able to get Pension Credit if you receive money from:
a workplace pension
a private pension
your State Pension
Your pension income will normally be taken into account.
But you could still qualify if your total income is low enough.
👉 It is worth checking.
🎁 Pension Credit can mean more than extra money
Pension Credit may also help you get other support.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to get help with:
🏠 Housing costs
🔥 Heating costs
💷 Council Tax
🏥 NHS health costs
📺 A free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
🏦 Support with mortgage interest
❄️ Cold Weather Payments
This means Pension Credit could be worth much more than the weekly payment alone.
👥 What if I live with my partner?
If you live with a partner, your circumstances will usually be looked at together.
This includes your:
income
savings
pensions
other financial circumstances
The rules for couples can be different.
Don't assume you will not qualify. Check first.
💼 Can I get Pension Credit if I am working?
Yes, you may be able to.
You do not necessarily have to stop working to get Pension Credit.
Your earnings will be taken into account when your entitlement is worked out.
So, if you are working but have a low income, it can still be worth checking.
📋 How do I claim Pension Credit?
You can apply for Pension Credit online or by telephone.
It helps to have the following information ready:
☑️ Your National Insurance number
☑️ Your bank or building society details
☑️ Your pension income
☑️ Any other income
☑️ Your savings and investments
☑️ Your housing costs
☑️ Any benefits you receive
☑️ Your partner's information, if you have a partner
Apply online: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
📞 You can also call the Pension Credit claim line 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
💡 The message is simple
Don't assume you won't qualify.
If you have reached State Pension age and your income is low, check Pension Credit.
Even a small payment could make a difference to your weekly budget.
And it could help you get other support too.
🔎 Could you be missing out?
Check your Pension Credit entitlement today.
You can use the official Pension Credit calculator to see if you might qualify.
🔗 Check your entitlement
GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
You can also find information about Pension Credit from:
GOV.UK – Pension Credit
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/help-if-on-a-low-income/pension-credit/
CALL BRANCAB's FREEPHONE ADVICELINE 0808 250 5715
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9.00am-3.30pm:
or come into one of our local advice sessions for further help.
📌 Remember
You won't know if you don't check.
If you or someone you know has a low income in retirement, take a few minutes to find out whether Pension Credit could help.
Sources: GOV.UK and Citizens Advice. Benefit rules and rates can change, so always check the latest information before making a claim.
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