Pension Credit is a top-up benefit which is paid if your weekly income is too low. It's not the same as the retirement pension, which is earned on your National Insurance contributions. It can be paid on top of retirement and other pensions. You can claim it using the Pension Credit claim form (PDF, 948Kb).
Pension Credit is just one of the benefits you may be eligible for as a carer. You can find out more information on the range of benefits for carers online or by calling Carers Direct on 0808 802 0202.
Pension Credit has two parts: the Guarantee Credit and the Savings Credit. These can be paid together if you qualify for both or you can be paid Guarantee Credit alone or Savings Credit alone. They are paid for different reasons.
Guarantee Credit
You can claim Guarantee Credit if you or your partner have reached the qualifying age. Between 2010 and 2020, the qualifying age for guarantee credit will move gradually from 60 to 65. You can check what your qualifying age will be on the Directgov state pension age calculator.
Guarantee Credit is a top-up benefit which is paid if your weekly income is too low. The amount paid depends on whether you're single or you live with a partner. It can be paid at a higher rate if you're severely disabled, a carer or both. It can also provide help with certain housing costs if you're responsible for paying a mortgage or other costs relating to owning your home.
Your income and capital (and those of your partner, if you have one) are taken into account when Guarantee Credit is worked out. If your weekly income is below a certain level, you'll receive some Guarantee Credit. Even if the amount you receive is quite small, it's worth claiming because it also entitles you to extra help, such as the maximum Housing Benefit (if you rent your home) and the maximum Council Tax Benefit (whether you rent or own).
If you're single, your weekly income can be topped up to at least £137.35 a week. If you're in a couple, your income can be topped up to at least £209.70 a week. If you're severely disabled, a carer or both, the amount may be substantially higher.
Savings Credit
You can claim Savings Credit if you or your partner are over 65 and if your income is over the amount of the basic retirement pension. It's a small sum which is paid as a 'reward' to reflect the fact that you've made special provisions for your retirement, such as contributing to a personal pension or building up a modest amount of savings. It can be paid on its own or on top of Guarantee Credit. Even when paid on its own, Savings Credit can lead to a certain amount of extra help.
Claiming is simple and there's lots of help available to make a claim Pension Credit.
It's possible to work and claim Pension Credit. There's no limit to the hours you work, but your earnings will affect how much Pension Credit you get.
There are rules about being a resident and present, as well as your immigration status, which must be satisfied in order to receive Pension Credit.
If you receive Pension Credit, you will be automatically entitled to other help such as free NHS dental treatment, sight tests, prescriptions and housing grants.
Click on the bars below for information about how your age and work may affect eligibility for Pension Credit. Follow the links to find out more about changes to your Pension Credit claim, and how to challenge a Pension Credit decision.
