How do I claim Pension Credit?

Before you start: check what you might get

Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a set level. In 2026/27 that is £238.00 if you are single, or £363.25 for a couple. You may get more if you are disabled, are a carer or have some housing costs. Even a small award matters, because it can open the door to other help such as Cold Weather Payments.

What you need

Have these ready for you and your partner, if you have one:

• your National Insurance number
• details of your income, such as State Pension and any other pensions
• details of your savings and investments
• the same income and savings details for the date you want to backdate to (usually 3 months ago, or the date you reached State Pension age)
• your bank account details

Savings of £10,000 or less do not affect Pension Credit. Above that, every £500 counts as £1 a week of income.

Ways to apply

Step by step

1. Pick your start date. You can apply from 4 months before you reach State Pension age.
2. Gather your details from the list above.
3. Apply online, by phone or by post. If you cannot use the phone, a friend or family member can call for you.
4. Ask for backdating. You can get up to 3 months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you qualified during that time.
5. Wait for your decision letter. If you think it is wrong, ask for a mandatory reconsideration within one month.

Backdating example

If you apply on 5 October 2026 and you met the rules all along, your claim can go back to 5 July 2026. Check your income and savings on that earlier date too, as they are what count for those weeks.

Which income does not count

Some benefits are ignored when working out Pension Credit. These include Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. In Scotland, Adult Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment are also ignored.

After you apply

Once you get Pension Credit, tell the Pension Service about changes straight away. Examples are moving home, starting or stopping living with a partner, going into hospital or a care home, or a change to your pensions or savings. Call 0800 731 0469, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. If you do not, you may be paid too much and have to pay it back.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland

• Scotland and Wales: you apply to DWP in the same way as in England.
• Northern Ireland: Pension Credit is run separately. Apply through nidirect. The same rules apply on applying up to 4 months before State Pension age and backdating up to 3 months.

Related guides

• Can I get Pension Credit?
• Can Pension Credit be backdated?
• How much Pension Credit could I get?
• What is Pension Credit?
• How do I work out how much Pension Credit I could get?

Where this comes from

• Pension Credit: how to claim (GOV.UK)
• Pension Credit: eligibility
• Pension Credit: what you'll get
• Pension Credit: report a change of circumstances
• Understanding Pension Credit (nidirect)