Pension Credit Calculator
Around 700,000 eligible households never claim Pension Credit, worth up to £4,300+ a year. Check in 30 seconds whether you should be one of them.
Pension Credit Calculator
State Pension plus private pensions, earnings and most other benefits, before tax. For couples, add both incomes together.
The first £10,000 is ignored. Every £500 above that counts as £1 a week of income.
How Pension Credit works
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum once you reach State Pension age. For 2026/27 that minimum is £238.00 a week if you are single and £363.25 a week for a couple. If your income is below that line, the top-up bridges the gap. You can get more if you have a severe disability, care for someone, or have certain housing costs.
Two myths stop people claiming. First, owning your home does not rule you out. Second, having savings does not either: the first £10,000 is ignored completely, and above that each £500 only counts as £1 a week of income. Someone with £15,000 in the bank is treated as having just £10 a week from it.
Not sure when you reach State Pension age? Check with our State Pension age calculator. You can apply for Pension Credit up to 4 months before that date.
Why claiming is worth it even for £1 a week
Pension Credit is a gateway benefit. Even the smallest award unlocks the Winter Fuel Payment, a free TV licence at 75, help with rent and council tax, free NHS dental care and the Warm Home Discount. Stacked together, those extras are often worth more than the Pension Credit itself.
And while you are sorting your money out, have a look at our verified financial offers for over 60s and every current over 60s discount we track.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Pension Credit in 2026/27?
Guarantee Credit tops your weekly income up to £238.00 if you are single or £363.25 for a couple (2026/27 rates). You can get more on top if you have a severe disability (£86.05 a week), care for someone (£48.15) or have housing costs.
Who is eligible for Pension Credit?
You must live in Great Britain and have reached State Pension age. Your income then needs to be below the guarantee level, £238.00 a week single or £363.25 as a couple in 2026/27, though you can sometimes qualify with a higher income if you have a disability, caring responsibilities or certain housing costs.
Do savings affect Pension Credit?
The first £10,000 of savings and investments is ignored completely. Above that, every £500 (or part of £500) counts as £1 a week of income. There is no upper savings limit that disqualifies you outright.
What else does Pension Credit unlock?
Even a small award opens the door to a lot: the Winter Fuel Payment, a free TV licence if you are 75 or over, help with rent and council tax, free NHS dental treatment, vouchers towards glasses, and the Warm Home Discount. This is why it is worth claiming even £1 a week.
Why do so many pensioners miss out on Pension Credit?
Around 700,000 eligible households do not claim, often because they assume owning a home or having some savings rules them out. Neither does. Homeowners can claim, and savings under £10,000 are ignored entirely.
What is the difference between Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit?
Guarantee Credit is the main part and tops up low incomes to the guarantee level. Savings Credit is a small extra (up to £17.96 a week single, £20.10 couple in 2026/27) only available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
How do I actually claim Pension Credit?
Apply online at GOV.UK, by phone on 0800 99 1234, or by post. You can apply up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age, and claims can be backdated by up to 3 months if you were eligible then.
This calculator gives an estimate of Guarantee Credit only and is for information, not advice. Your actual entitlement depends on your full circumstances. Use the official GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator or speak to Age UK before making decisions.