Income Support
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a benefit paid to people who have reached the qualifying age and have a low income.
Pension Credit is not the same as the state retirement pension, which is based on your National Insurance contributions during your working life. Pension Credit can be paid on top of retirement and other pensions.
Pension Credit is income related and made up of two parts:
Guarantee Credit- which tops up your income if it is below a certain amount
Savings Credit- is an extra payment for people who have saved some money toward their retirement e.g. through a pension. However if you reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, you may not be eligible for this.
Pension Credit age is gradually going up to 65 in line with State Pension age (65 for women and 66 for men). To find out when you will qualify for Pension Credit or State Pension use the State Pension Calculator at GOV.UK or contact the helpline.
You may still be able to get Pension Credit if your weekly income is more than the minimum, for example if you or your partner are a severely disabled person or a carer. You may also be eligible for Support for Mortgage Interest if you are paying interest on mortgage payments, which is paid direct to your lender.