The Pension Service
Part of DWP that deals with State Pension and Pension Credit claims and payments for people in Great Britain.
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Pension Credit
Extra money for people over State Pension age on a low income. It also opens the door to other help, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and help with NHS costs. You can qualify even if you own your home or have savings.
Official links
Show links for:
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: Pension Credit www.gov.uk/pension-credit | England, Wales, Scotland |
| nidirect: Pension Credit www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/understanding-pension-credit | Northern Ireland |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Check you qualify: you must have reached State Pension age and live in England, Scotland or Wales (Northern Ireland has its own service). Include your partner if you have one.
- Use the Pension Credit calculator for an estimate.
- Apply from up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. Later claims can be backdated up to 3 months.
- Apply online (if you have already applied for your State Pension), by phone or by post.
- Report changes straight away, such as moving, a partner moving in or out, or going abroad.
What you need
- Your National Insurance number and your partner's
- Details of your income, savings and investments, also on the date you want to backdate to
- Your bank account details
Common mistakes
- Not applying because you own your home, have savings or have another pension: you may still qualify.
- Leaving your partner off the application.
- Not reporting a trip abroad or other change, which can stop or reduce your payments.