Age 60 or over
Pension Credit is extra weekly money you might be entitled to. People aged 60 or over may be entitled to a guaranteed level of income and should apply. Some disabled people, carers and those paying mortgage interest can get higher amounts.
Age 65 or over
Many people aged 65 or over who have savings, or a second pension or earnings, can get new money through Pension Credit. It is extra help worth up to £17.88 a week for single people or £23.58 a week for couples (April 2006 – April 2007 figures). There are smaller amounts if you are in a care home.
Some facts about Pension Credit
- More cash help than before for many older people.
- New entitlements for many people with savings, modest second pensions, higher state pensions, or earnings.
- 1 in 2 over 60s qualify.
- Savings are treated more generously than before and there is no longer a level of savings that stops people from applying.
- Savings under £6,000 don’t affect your claim at all, or under £10,000 if you are permanently in a care home.
- 5 year awards in many cases - less hassle.
- Get advice if you have come from abroad recently.
- If you have a child under 20 claim Child Tax Credit.
Examples - April 2006 to April 2007
Example 1
Martha is 68 and lives alone. She rents her home and has few savings. Her Retirement Pension is £89 a week and her work pension is £28 a week.
Martha can get Pension Credit of £16.70, making her money up to £133.70 a week. She will have small amounts to pay towards rent and Council Tax, after claiming Housing Benefit, Council Tax Discount and Council Tax Benefit.
If Martha gets Attendance Allowance, and no-one gets Carer’s Allowance for her care, Pension Credit can be £61 a week and she can get maximum Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Martha may also apply for a grant from the Social Fund, perhaps for a fridge, or for vouchers for glasses.
Example 2
Basil and Sybil, aged 70 and 68, are home owners. They have retirement pensions of £134 a week, a works pension of £70 a week and £5,000 savings. They can get Pension Credit of £11.60 a week. They can apply for Social Fund grants or loans.
Example 3
Nasreen is 76 and lives alone. Her state retirement pension is £66 a week and she has a pension for her deceased husband of £12 a week. She has savings of £20,000. Nasreen can get Pension Credit of £21 a week. She can also get maximum help with her rent and Council Tax, under a new rule that helps some older people.
How to apply
Just phone the Pension Credit Freephone 0800 99 1234, 8 am - 8pm Monday to Friday, or 9am - 1pm Saturday. Textphone number is 0800 169 0133.
You can apply over the phone, or the Pension Service will call you back if you wish. They can arrange other easy ways for you to apply, for example, by visiting you at home or arranging for an interpreter.
If you qualify, you can be paid up to 12 months arrears.
Pension Credit is usually paid into bank or Post Office accounts. There are other options if you have difficulties. Please get advice.
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email or book an appointment with the Online Adviser
Information on other websites
Pension Service
Government information on Pension Credit
Age Concern
Detailed information on Pension Credit (Age Concern's website will direct you to a pdf document)
Action for Blind People
Pension Credit if you are blind or partially sighted
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Reviewed:
6 July 2006
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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