To qualify for Pension Credit in the UK, the main requirements are:
- You must have reached State Pension age (currently 66 for both men and women).
- You must live in England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
- Your income must be below a certain threshold: roughly £227.10 per week if single, or £346.60 per week if in a couple (this may vary slightly with certain circumstances like disabilities or caring responsibilities).
- If you have a partner, both must have reached State Pension age or one must be receiving Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
- You need to meet residency requirements and, if from the EU or certain European countries, usually have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Pension Credit has two components: Guarantee Credit tops up income to a minimum level (£227.10 per week single / £346.60 couple), and Savings Credit rewards those with savings or a second pension who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. Some income (like State Pension, other pensions, earnings, and most benefits) is counted when assessing eligibility, but certain benefits (like Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Child Benefit) are not counted. You can apply up to 4 months before reaching State Pension age, and apply online, by phone, or by post. These details reflect current rules as of 2025 and will help determine if you qualify for Pension Credit.
