Pension credit

Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over a weekly income of at least:

• £124.05 if you are single
• £189.35 if you have a partner.

Extra amounts can be paid if you have special circumstances eg you are a carer or have a severe disability. This part of Pension Credit is called Guarantee Credit.

Pension Credit is means-tested but there is no upper savings limit. You can claim Pension Credit if you are working, although your earnings will affect how much benefit you receive.

If you are 65 and over and have savings, or income above the basic state pension evel, you may also be eligible for Pension Credit.

This part of Pension Credit is called the Savings Credit and can increase your weekly income by up to:

• £19.71 if you are single
• £26.13 if you have a partner.

Many pensioners are entitled to this extra financial help, so do check  with a benefits adviser.

If you receive Pension Credit, you can apply for help from the Social Fund.

If you receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you will be entitled to other help such as full Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, free dental treatment and free prescriptions.

How can I apply?

You can apply by calling the Pension Credit application line on freephone 0800 99 1234 or textphone 0800 169 0133.

You can also visit www.thepensionservice.gov.uk for a copy of the application form, hich you can fill in on screen or print out and fill in by hand, and post to your pension centre free of charge.

In Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland you can apply by calling the Pension Credit application line on freephone 0808 100 6165 or textphone 0808 100 1165. You can also visit www.dsdni.gov.uk for a copy of the application form, which you can fill in on screen (or print out and fill in by hand), and post to the Pension Service.

It's a good idea to get help filling in the claim form from an experienced benefits adviser.