Pension Credit 2026/27
Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to £238 if you are single, or £363.25 for a couple, in 2026/27. You can get more if you have a severe disability or care for someone. It is for people over State Pension age in England, Scotland and Wales with a low income.
The rules in three lines
- You have reached State Pension age. If you have a partner, you both need to have reached it, with some exceptions.
- Your weekly income is below £238 if you are single, or £363.25 as a couple. Pension Credit makes up the difference.
- You can get an extra £86.05 a week with a severe disability and £48.15 a week if you get Carer's Allowance.
| What | 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Weekly income topped up to, single | £238 |
| Weekly income topped up to, couple | £363.25 |
| Extra for a severe disability | £86.05 a week |
| Extra for carers | £48.15 a week |
Source: www.gov.uk/pension-credit/what-youll-get, checked 12 October 2026.
This is information, not advice. The Department for Work and Pensions decides every claim. People in Northern Ireland claim through NI Direct.
Why it is worth checking
Pension Credit can unlock other help, such as Housing Benefit, a Council Tax Reduction, a free TV licence for people aged 75 or over, and help with heating costs. Many people who could get it do not claim. Even a small award can be worth checking for that reason.
What counts as income
Your income includes your State Pension, other pensions, earnings and some benefits. Savings above a set amount are treated as giving you a small weekly income, even if they do not. Some benefits are ignored, including Attendance Allowance, which can instead add an extra amount to Pension Credit.
Claiming
You can claim Pension Credit on GOV.UK, by phone or by post, from up to four months before you reach State Pension age. A claim can be backdated by up to three months if you were eligible then. If you care for someone, check Carer's Allowance too, because it adds a carer amount.