Benefits - Pension Credit

If you have reached the minimum qualifying age you may be entitled to Pension Credit. It is made up of two elements - The 'Guarantee Credit' element and the 'Savings Credit' element.

The minimum age you can get Pension Credit is rising in stages between now and 2020, from 60 to 66. It's linked to the changes to women's State Pension age.

Guarantee Credit

The Guarantee Credit element is intended to guarantee a minimum income if you are on a low income. If for example, you are single and your weekly income is below £142.70 you may qualify for Guarantee Credit. Couples on low incomes, below £217.90 a week can also qualify for these payments. 

Savings Credit

If you are aged 65 or over you could be entitled to the Savings Credit element. For example, if you are single and your total weekly income, from money you have coming in such as pensions, savings, earnings and investments, is less than £188 a week you may qualify for these payments. Couples on low incomes of less than £277 may also qualify for these payments.

The Savings Credit can be up to:

• £18.54 a week if you are single
• £23.73 a week if you have a partner

You may still be entitled to the Savings Credit if the income you have coming in each week is below:

• £189.00 per week if you are single
• £277.00 per week if you have a partner

You may be able to get more Pension Credit if you have more than the above stated amounts, and you or your partner have caring responsibilities, are severely disabled or have certain housing costs.

Contact the Pension Credit Helpline:

Phone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133

or

Contact The Highland Councils Welfare Support Team for free advice and support on completing the form on:

Phone: 0800 090 1004

Find out more about Pension Credit