If you're over State Pension age and getting by on a low income, Pension Credit tops you up — and it's a golden key: even a small award can open the door to a free TV licence at 75, help with Council Tax and rent, heating payments and NHS costs.
Around 910,000 households don't claim — usually because they assume savings or a small private pension rule them out. They usually don't. It's always worth checking.
Are you (and your partner, if you have one) over State Pension age?
State Pension age is currently 66 (rising to 67 by 2028).
Roughly, what's the total weekly income coming in?
Add up the State Pension, any private or works pension, earnings, and most other benefits — for both of you if a couple. A rough figure is fine.
Do you (or your partner) have a disability, or care for someone?
For example getting Attendance Allowance, PIP daily living, DLA care, or being a carer. This raises the income limit, so it's important — many people qualify because of this.
Roughly how much do you have in savings and investments?
There's no upper limit — savings don't automatically stop you claiming. The first £10,000 is ignored; above that, an assumed weekly income is added to the calculation.