Pension Credit Calculator
Calculate Your Pension Credit Entitlement
Use this calculator to estimate your weekly Pension Credit payment. Enter your details below to see if you’re eligible for Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
Your Pension Credit Estimate
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a low income. It tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level and provides additional support for various circumstances.
Types of Pension Credit
Tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you’re single or £346.60 if you have a partner. You may get extra amounts for disabilities, caring responsibilities, housing costs, or children.
Extra money for people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and have saved money for retirement. Maximum of £17.30 per week for singles or £19.36 for couples.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Pension Credit, you must:
- Live in England, Scotland, or Wales
- Have reached State Pension age (currently 66)
- Have a low income or modest savings
- Meet residency conditions
What Counts as Income?
Your income assessment includes:
- State Pension (including deferred amounts)
- Private and workplace pensions
- Employment and self-employment earnings
- Most benefits (except disability benefits)
- Income from savings over £10,000
Current Pension Credit Rates 2025/26
| Type | Amount per Week | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Minimum Guarantee (Single) | £227.10 | Basic weekly income guarantee |
| Standard Minimum Guarantee (Couple) | £346.60 | Basic weekly income guarantee for couples |
| Severe Disability Addition | £82.90 | For those receiving disability benefits |
| Carer Addition | £46.40 | For those receiving Carer’s Allowance |
| Savings Credit (Single) | Up to £17.30 | For those with modest savings |
| Savings Credit (Couple) | Up to £19.36 | For couples with modest savings |
Frequently Asked Questions
The calculation compares your total weekly income with the appropriate minimum guarantee amount. If your income is below this level, Pension Credit makes up the difference. Additional amounts are added for disabilities, caring responsibilities, and housing costs.
Savings up to £10,000 are ignored. For every £500 (or part thereof) above £10,000, you’re treated as having £1 weekly income. This “tariff income” is added to your actual income when calculating entitlement.
Yes, you can still receive Pension Credit if you work. Your earnings are taken into account when calculating your entitlement, but you may still qualify if your total income is below the guaranteed minimum.
Pension Credit can act as a gateway to other support including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Cold Weather Payments, Winter Fuel Payment, and help with NHS costs such as prescriptions and dental treatment.
You can apply by calling the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can also apply online at gov.uk or by post using form PC1. Applications can be backdated up to 3 months.
How to Maximise Your Pension Credit
Regular Reviews
Your circumstances may change, affecting your entitlement. Report changes promptly and request annual reviews to check you’re receiving the correct amount.
Check for Additional Premiums
Make sure you’re receiving all applicable additions, including severe disability premium, carer premium, and housing cost elements. These can significantly increase your weekly payment.
Related Benefits
Claiming Pension Credit may automatically entitle you to other benefits such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, and help with NHS costs. These additional benefits can be worth hundreds of pounds annually.
Capital Planning
Consider how your savings and investments are structured. Some assets are disregarded in the assessment, and the timing of capital disposals can affect your entitlement.
References
- HM Revenue and Customs. (2025). Benefit and pension rates 2025 to 2026. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2025-to-2026
- Department for Work and Pensions. (2025). Pension Credit: What you’ll get. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/what-youll-get
- Age UK. (2025). Benefit Rates 2025-26. Available at: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/benefit-rates/
- Department for Work and Pensions. (2025). A detailed guide to Pension Credit for advisers and others. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pension-credit-technical-guidance
- Aegon UK. (2023). Are you eligible for Pension Credit? A step-by-step guide to finding out. Available at: https://www.aegon.co.uk/customer/moneytips/are-you-eligible-for-pension-credit