Pension Credit rates for 2027/28 will be confirmed in autumn 2026. If you think you may be eligible, it is worth claiming even a small amount.
Last reviewed: May 2026. 2027/28 Pension Credit rates will be confirmed in autumn 2026. This page will be updated when the figures are announced.
Pension Credit Rates — Reference 2025/26
| Weekly rate (2025/26) | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantee Credit — single | £227.10 | £11,809 |
| Guarantee Credit — couple | £346.60 | £18,023 |
| Savings Credit — single (max) | £17.29 | £899 |
| Savings Credit — couple (max) | £19.36 | £1,007 |
2027/28 rates to be confirmed autumn 2026.
Additional Amounts (Guarantee Credit)
Extra amounts added to the Guarantee Credit for specific circumstances:
| Additional element | Weekly amount (2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Severe disability (single) | £81.50 |
| Severe disability (couple, one qualifying) | £81.50 |
| Severe disability (couple, both qualifying) | £163.00 |
| Carer addition | £45.60 |
What Benefits Pension Credit Unlocks
| Benefit | Condition |
|---|---|
| Free TV Licence | Must be 75+ and on Pension Credit |
| Housing Benefit | If renting — up to full Local Housing Allowance |
| Council Tax Reduction | Up to 100% reduction |
| NHS dental treatment | Free |
| NHS glasses | Voucher towards cost |
| Hospital travel costs | Refunded |
| Winter Fuel Payment | £200–£300 (for those losing it due to means-test — restored if on PC) |
| Cold Weather Payment | £25/week during cold spells |
| Free school meals | For grandchildren in your care |
This makes Pension Credit one of the highest-value benefits to claim — even if you only qualify for £1/week.
How Savings Affect Pension Credit
| Savings | Impact on Pension Credit |
|---|---|
| Under £10,000 | No impact |
| £10,001–£10,500 | Assumed to generate £1/week income |
| £20,000 | Assumed £20/week additional income |
| £50,000 | Assumed £80/week additional income |
(Every £500 above £10,000 = £1/week assumed income)
How to Claim Pension Credit
- Phone: 0800 99 1234 (Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm)
- Online: gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
- By post: Pension Credit claim form (obtainable by calling)
- Can be backdated up to 3 months if eligible
Why Pension Credit Is Under-Claimed
An estimated 800,000+ eligible households do not claim Pension Credit — often because they do not know they qualify or assume the benefit is only for those with no income at all. In reality, Pension Credit tops up income to the Guarantee Credit level, meaning anyone with a weekly income below £227.10 (single) or £346.60 (couple) may qualify.
Key reasons people miss out:
- Assuming a small private pension or savings disqualifies them
- Believing the application is complex
- Not knowing about Pension Credit’s role in triggering other benefits
Even £1 per week of Pension Credit can unlock a free TV Licence, Winter Fuel Payment, and Council Tax Reduction — potentially worth thousands of pounds per year.
What Income Counts (and What Does Not)
| Counts as income | Does NOT count |
|---|---|
| State Pension | Attendance Allowance |
| Private/workplace pension | Personal Independence Payment (PIP) |
| Savings income above £10,000 (tariff) | Disability Living Allowance (DLA) |
| Rental income | Council Tax Reduction |
| Employment income | Housing Benefit |
| Most benefits (e.g. Carer’s Allowance) | War Disablement Pension (partially) |
Capital (savings and investments) under £10,000 is completely ignored. Savings above £10,000 reduce your Pension Credit by a tariff of £1/week per £500 over the threshold.
Backdating and Claiming Urgently
Pension Credit can be backdated by up to 3 months. This means if you are eligible today, claiming now can result in a lump sum covering the past quarter. The Pension Credit helpline (0800 99 1234) can process claims quickly — advisers will help gather the information needed.