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Pension Credit calculator 2026/27

For people over State Pension age on a low income, and families checking for them.

Free · a few minutes · No name or NI number needed

Your answers stay on your device. We don't store them, ask for your name or contact details, or follow up.

Check if you could get Pension Credit

Rates checked against GOV.UK by the HelpAlert team · Last checked 12 Oct 2026 · We never apply on your behalf

Made by HelpAlert, a UK company providing personal alarms monitored 24/7 by our UK team. We make free tools like this to help older people and their families. Find out about a HelpAlert free trial

Who can get it

  • You have reached the age you can get your State Pension. Most people reach it at 66.
  • You can apply up to 4 months before that age. A claim can go back up to 3 months.
  • A couple usually both need to have reached that age.
  • If only one has, you may still get it with Housing Benefit (pension age), or if you've been entitled to Pension Credit (or Pension Age Housing Benefit) as a couple continuously since before 15 May 2019.
  • In Northern Ireland the amounts are the same. Cold weather help in Scotland is a Winter Heating Payment.

Weekly amounts for 2026/27

Checked against GOV.UK on 12 Oct 2026.
WhatSingleCouple
Pension Credit£238.00£363.25
Extra money for disability£86.05£86.05 or £172.10
Extra for caring£48.15£48.15 (each, if both of you get Carer's Allowance)
Extra for each child£69.98, or £81.07 for the first child born before 6 April 2017. Not included in this estimate.
Extra for people who saved. Only if you (or your partner) reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.up to £17.96up to £20.10

£10,000 of savings is ignored. Every £500 over that, or part of £500, counts as £1 a week.

What counts

Money that counts includes your State Pension, other pensions, earnings, and most benefits, such as Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment. Putting off your State Pension still counts.

Attendance Allowance, PIP and DLA do not count as income. They can still mean extra money for disability. Your home does not count as savings.

You may get £86.05 extra for disability if you get Attendance Allowance, the daily living part of PIP or Adult Disability Payment, the middle or highest care rate of DLA, or Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland, you live alone, and nobody gets Carer's Allowance, Carer Support Payment or the Universal Credit carer element for looking after you. A couple may get £172.10 or £86.05. If you get Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment, you can get £48.15 extra. Ground rent, service charges or site rent can add more. This tool does not add a figure for those housing costs.

What it unlocks

  • Housing Benefit, if you rent
  • Help with a mortgage
  • Council Tax Reduction, or Rates Relief in Northern Ireland
  • Cold Weather Payments, or Winter Heating Payments in Scotland
  • A free TV licence at 75
  • Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and travel to hospital (not if you only get the extra for savers).
  • Warm Home Discount

How to apply

Pension Credit claim line (free): 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can call for yourself, or a friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.

Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 99 1234. British Sign Language video relay is also available. Or apply online or by post on GOV.UK. How to claim on GOV.UK. We never apply for you.

In Northern Ireland, call 0808 100 6165. Apply on nidirect.

Checking for a parent?

Choose “My parent”. The questions then say “they”. Pension Credit claim line (free): 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can call for yourself, or a friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone. Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 99 1234. British Sign Language video relay is also available. Or apply online or by post on GOV.UK.

Not sure? Call

Pension Credit claim line (free): 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can call for yourself, or a friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone. Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 99 1234. British Sign Language video relay is also available. Or apply online or by post on GOV.UK. Or read the full guide to Pension Credit.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Pension Credit in 2026/27?

It is £238.00 a week if you are single, or £363.25 for a couple. Extra money for disability is £86.05. If you get Carer's Allowance or Carer Support Payment, you can get £48.15 extra.

Can I get Pension Credit if I have savings?

Yes. £10,000 or less does not count. Every £500, or part of £500, over £10,000 counts as £1 a week. Your home does not count.

Does owning my home stop me getting Pension Credit?

No. You can get Pension Credit even if you own your home.

What if one of us is under pension age?

If one of you is under pension age, usually not, unless one of you gets Housing Benefit (pension age), or you've been entitled to Pension Credit (or Pension Age Housing Benefit) as a couple continuously since before 15 May 2019.

How do I claim?

Pension Credit claim line (free): 0800 99 1234, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. You can call for yourself, or a friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.

Do you store my answers?

Your answers stay on your device. We don't store them, ask for your name or contact details, or follow up.

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Sources

Rates checked against GOV.UK by the HelpAlert team. Last checked 12 Oct 2026.

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