Hundreds of thousands of households who could get Pension Credit have not claimed it. It is not the same as the State Pension. It is extra money for people over State Pension age who are on a low income.
You do not need to use a paid company. The claim is free.
What Pension Credit does
Pension Credit can top up weekly income to at least:
● £238.00 if you are single
● £363.25 if you have a partner
You may get more if you are a carer, have a severe disability, have children living with you, or have certain housing costs.
These weekly amounts are the official GOV.UK figures at the time of writing (September 2026). Benefit rates can change, so always check the current amounts on GOV.UK before you claim.
You may still qualify if
● you own your home
● you have some savings
● you already get a workplace or private pension
● the amount you would get looks small
Even a small award can open the door to other help.
Extra help it can unlock
Depending on your circumstances, Pension Credit can also lead to:
● help with Council Tax
● Housing Benefit if you rent
● Cold Weather Payments
● a Warm Home Discount on your electricity bill
● help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and hospital travel
● a free TV licence if you are 75 or over
How to check and claim
● Pension Credit overview: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
● What you could get: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/what-youll-get
● How to claim: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
In England, Scotland and Wales you can:
● apply online if you have already claimed your State Pension
● call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm)
● apply by post using the form on GOV.UK
A friend or relative can make the call with you.
Ask for the claim to be backdated by up to three months if you were already eligible. That can add a lump sum to the first payment.
In Northern Ireland, claims are made through the Northern Ireland Pension Centre. Pension Credit Application Line: 0808 100 6165.
A note on scams
No genuine service will call out of the blue and charge a fee to “secure” Pension Credit. If someone asks for payment or bank details before a claim is made, stop and use the official numbers above.
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Always check your own position on GOV.UK or nidirect, or with a free advice service such as Age UK or Citizens Advice.
