Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age that tops up weekly income to a minimum of £227.10 for single people and £346.60 for couples (2025/26 rates). It has two parts: Guarantee Credit, which tops up income to the minimum level, and Savings Credit, available to those who reached State Pension age before April 2016. Pension Credit also acts as a passport to other benefits including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over.
Pension Credit has two distinct elements. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to at least £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple) in 2025/26 and has no upper savings limit, though savings above £10,000 reduce the award by £1 for every £500. Savings Credit — available only to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 — rewards modest savings with a small top-up of up to £17.01/week (single) or £19.04/week (couple). Crucially, Pension Credit acts as a passport to: free TV licence if aged 75 or over, Cold Weather Payments, Housing Benefit (up to full rent), Council Tax Reduction, free NHS dental treatment, and help with glasses. An estimated 850,000 eligible pensioners do not claim. Call 0800 99 1234 (free, Monday to Friday) to apply — you can backdate claims up to three months.