Campaigns & issues

Pension Credit:
Tops up your weekly income

Almost half of all pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit worth around £2.5 billion a year. Yet a third of those who are eligible are not claiming it. This is a worry when you consider the huge increases in the cost of living. Make sure you are not missing out.

There are two parts of Pension Credit – you may be eligible to receive one or both of them.

Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level set by the Government.
Savings Credit provides up to an additional £19.71 for single people or £26.13 for couples‚ as a reward for having modest savings for your retirement.

Would I qualify?

• You need to be 60 or over for Guarantee Credit; 65 or over for Savings Credit
• Generally‚ you will receive Guarantee Credit if your weekly income is less than £124.05 if you are single and £189.35 if you are a couple
• For Savings Credit‚ you can have a higher weekly income - normally up to around £174 if you are single or £255 if you are a couple - and still receive some benefit
• All these amounts may be higher if you are severely disabled‚ a carer‚ or have certain housing costs
• There is no savings limit for Pension Credit but if you have over £6‚000 this will reduce the amount you get

You can get a claim form by phoning the Pension Credit Line on 0800 99 12 34 or by visiting the Pension Service website.

Age Concern can help and advise you – contact your local Age Concern today.