Pension Credit

Pension Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of

£218.15 a week for single pensioners or

£332.95 for couples.

It is a tax –free payment for those who

-          have reached Pension Credit qualifying age, which is State Pension age, and

-          live in Great in Great Britain

Someone may still get Pension Credit if they:

-          have not paid National Insurance contributions

-          have some savings or a small pension

-          live with their grown-up family

-          own their own home

 A quick guide to entitlement   

There are 4 main questions when considering whether a pensioner may get Pension Credit:

1)      How old are they?

2)      If they have a partner who lives with them, how old is their partner?

3)      What is their weekly income?  Is it less than £218.15 if they are single or £332.95 if they are a couple?

4)      Do they have any savings?  Have they got less than £10,000

Use the Pension Credit calculator (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator) to find out how much Pension Credit someone could get – without giving any personal details.

People who have more income or savings than this may still qualify for Pension Credit.  But these questions are a good basic indication of who is likely to qualify.

An award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, the Winter Fuel Payment and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.