Pension Credit: 20 Essential Q&As for 2026 (Simple, Practical, Link‑Rich Guide)
Pension Credit: 20 Essential Q&As for 2026 (Simple, Practical, Link-Rich Guide)
Pension Credit is a means-tested top-up for people over State Pension age on a low income. It can increase your weekly income and unlock extra help (e.g., housing support, council tax relief, free TV licence if eligible). Below we answer the 20 most-searched questions in plain English, with links to official pages and related Evanshaw guides.
1) What is Pension Credit?
It’s a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age. It has two parts: Guarantee Credit (tops up weekly income) and Savings Credit (for some who reached State Pension age before April 2016).
2) Who can get Pension Credit?
You must be over State Pension age and have a low income. Entitlement depends on your household income, capital, and circumstances (e.g., disability, caring responsibilities).
3) How does Pension Credit interact with my State Pension?
Your State Pension counts as income. Pension Credit can top up if your income is below the level the rules set for your circumstances. Correcting HRP can raise your State Pension, which may reduce Pension Credit — but overall income may still improve.
4) What’s the difference between Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit?
Guarantee Credit tops up income to a minimum amount. Savings Credit is a smaller extra payment for some people who reached State Pension age before April 2016 and saved modestly for retirement.
5) Does HRP affect Pension Credit eligibility?
Indirectly. HRP can increase your State Pension by filling missing years, which is then counted as income in Pension Credit. We usually advise fixing your State Pension record first, then checking Pension Credit.
6) What income is counted?
Most pensions (State, private, workplace) and some other income. Certain disability benefits are treated differently. See the official rules for full detail.
7) Do my savings affect Pension Credit?
Yes. Savings/capital are considered. There’s no absolute ‘ban’ on having savings, but they can affect how much you get. Check the official guidance for thresholds and how ‘tariff’ income may be applied.
8) Can couples claim Pension Credit?
Yes. Both members of a couple generally need to have reached State Pension age for a couple’s claim. The assessment uses joint income and capital.
9) I’m under State Pension age but my partner is over — can we claim?
Usually not as a couple’s claim until both have reached State Pension age. The person over State Pension age may still qualify in specific scenarios — check the detailed rules on GOV.UK.
10) What extra help can Pension Credit unlock?
Depending on your situation: housing benefit support, council tax reduction (via your council), cold weather/winter payments, and free TV licence (age-related).
11) How do I apply for Pension Credit?
You can apply online or by phone via GOV.UK. You’ll need details of your income, pensions, savings, and housing. If you’d prefer, a trusted person can help you apply.
12) Do I need documents to apply?
Have your National Insurance number, details of income/pensions, recent bank statements, and proof of housing costs to hand. Keep copies of everything you submit.
13) Can I backdate a Pension Credit claim?
Pension Credit can sometimes be backdated if you were eligible earlier. The standard rules allow limited backdating — check GOV.UK for current limits and how to request it.
14) What if I’m refused Pension Credit?
You can ask for a Mandatory Reconsideration, then appeal to a tribunal if needed. Keep a clear record of dates, letters, and evidence you sent.
15) Does a small private pension stop me getting Pension Credit?
Not automatically. It’s counted as income, but you may still qualify depending on total income and capital. Use the official eligibility checker or call for guidance.
16) I live with family — does that affect Pension Credit?
Non-dependent adults in your home can affect some benefits. For Pension Credit, the rules focus on your (and your partner’s) income/capital, but related housing support may be impacted.
17) What if my name changed or my records don’t match?
Include bridging documents (marriage certificate/deed poll) and overlapping bills so DWP can link your identity. For State Pension underpayments due to HRP, see our identity-bridging tips.
18) Should I fix HRP before applying for Pension Credit?
Often yes. Correcting HRP may increase your State Pension. Once your pension is corrected, recalculate Pension Credit eligibility. Our HRP guides explain how to apply and what evidence works.
19) Where do I check my NI record and State Pension?
Use GOV.UK: check your NI record and State Pension forecast online, or request by post if you prefer. Keep PDF or paper copies.
20) Who can help me assemble HRP evidence while I apply for Pension Credit?
Evanshaw specialises in HRP evidence and submissions. We can map your gap years, gather documents, and manage the claim, while you (or we) also check Pension Credit eligibility via GOV.UK.
Related Evanshaw guides (updated)
• Definitive Guide to HRP — What It Is, Why It Exists, and How to Apply
• Reading Your NI Record & Pension Forecast for HRP Gaps
• HRP Without Paperwork — How to Rebuild Evidence
Useful official links
Pension Credit overview & apply: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Check State Pension forecast: https://www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
Check National Insurance record: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
Report a change in circumstances (Pension Credit): https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/report-a-change-of-circumstances
Next step — fix HRP, then check Pension Credit
If your State Pension looks low and you cared for children between 1978 and 2010, start Evanshaw’s secure onboarding. We’ll handle the HRP evidence and claim. Once corrected, use GOV.UK to check Pension Credit eligibility so you don’t miss out on support.