Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for older people. There are two parts to Pension Credit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You may be able to claim either or both depending on your circumstances.

Guarantee Credit

You could be eligible for Guarantee Credit if:

• You have reached the qualifying age to claim. This is the same as the State Pension Age which is 65 and 3 months. in April 2019 and is increasing every month during 2019. It will be 66 by October 2020 then 67 by 2028.
• Your income, either as a single person or a couple, is less than the minimum amount set by the Government from someone in your circumstances. You may receive an addition amount if you have a severe disability, are a carer or have certain housing costs.
• You have capital of £10,000 or less as this will be ignored. There is no savings limit for Pension Credit so if you have capital over £10,000 you may still be eligible to apply but the amount you get will be reduced.

There have been changes this year that effect "Mixed Age Couples" i.e. when the oldest reaches State Pension age, but the youngest is still of working age. From May 2019 a mixed age couple making a new claim will not be able to claim Pension Credit until the younger of the couple reaches State Pension age. If they need means-tested support they will need to claim Universal Credit instead until both are State Pension Age.

Savings Credit

You could be eligible for Savings Credit if:

• You are 65 or over, and had reached State Pension age by 6 April 2016
• You have some savings or have a pension above (single person) £144.38 or (as a couple) £229.67 and your income is between certain limits. These figures are for the year 2019-20 and will be subject to change.

The easiest way to claim is by phoning the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. You can also request a paper application via the claim line. It will be quicker if you can have the following details to hand:

• Your National Insurance Number
• Information about your income, savings and investments
• Details of any housing costs
• Partner's details (if you have a partner)
• Bank account details

You can apply up to four months before you want to start receiving Pension Credit. You can also request that your claim is backdated for a period up to three months.