Pension Credit 2026/27
By Omair SaoLast reviewed — rates for the 2026/27 tax year. See how we check our figures.
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit for people who have reached State Pension age. It tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level — currently £238.00 per week for single people and £363.25 per week for couples. If your income is already above these levels, you may still qualify for Savings Credit if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Pension Credit is made up of two parts. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to the minimum guaranteed amount. Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who have some income above the basic State Pension — it rewards you for having made some provision for your retirement, such as a private pension or savings. However, Savings Credit is only available if you (or your partner) reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
Pension Credit acts as a gateway to many other benefits. If you receive Pension Credit, you may also be entitled to full Housing Benefit or a housing element, full Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence (if aged 75 or over), help with NHS costs, cold weather payments, and a Winter Fuel Payment. Even a small amount of Pension Credit can unlock significant additional support, so it is well worth checking your entitlement.
Pension Credit Rates 2026/27
Eligibility
- You have reached State Pension age
- You live in Great Britain
- Your income is below the guaranteed minimum (£238/week single, £363.25/week couple)
- Your savings and investments are taken into account but there is no upper capital limit for Guarantee Credit
How to Claim
Claim by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234, or apply online at gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. Claims can be backdated by up to 3 months.
What Pension Credit Adds Up To Over a Year
Rates are published weekly, which makes it easy to underestimate what a claim is worth. The figures below multiply each 2026/27 rate out to a full year, before any deductions for income or savings.
If Your Claim Is Refused
A refusal, or an award lower than you expected, is not the end of the process. Ask the DWP for a mandatory reconsideration within one month of the date on the decision letter, explaining which part you disagree with and adding any evidence the decision maker did not have. If the reconsideration goes against you, you can appeal to an independent tribunal within one month of the reconsideration notice. The Ministry of Justice's tribunal statistics show that a large share of benefit appeals that reach a hearing are decided in the claimant's favour, so it is worth pursuing, and free help is available from Citizens Advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a savings limit for Pension Credit?
For Guarantee Credit, there is no upper savings limit. However, if you have savings over £10,000, you are treated as having a 'tariff income' of £1 per week for every £500 (or part of £500) above £10,000. For Savings Credit, the capital limit is £16,000.
Can I get Pension Credit if I own my home?
Yes. The value of your main home is not counted as capital when assessing your entitlement to Pension Credit. You can also get additional help with mortgage interest payments through Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) if you qualify.
What other benefits can I get if I receive Pension Credit?
Receiving Pension Credit can passport you to full Council Tax Reduction, help with NHS costs (dental, optical, prescriptions), cold weather payments, the Warm Home Discount, and a free TV licence if you are 75 or over. It is often called a 'gateway benefit' because it unlocks so much additional support.
Official Sources
The rates and rules on this page come from the following official publications and were checked on 25 September 2026. Read how we check our figures.
Related Tools
Related Benefits
Attendance Allowance
A tax-free benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care.
Housing Benefit
Help with rent payments for people on a low income or claiming benefits.
Council Tax Reduction
Help with your council tax bill if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits.