Pension Credit is extra money for pensioners to bring your weekly income up to a minimum amount. It is an income-related benefit made up of two elements – Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income if it’s below £238 (for single people) or £363.25 (for couples). These amounts may be higher if you receive disability benefits. Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, for example a pension.
You may not be eligible for Savings Credit if you reached State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016. You don’t pay tax on Pension Credit.
For more information about Pension Credit and to access the Pension Credit calculator, visit the nidirect website
When should I apply for Pension Credit?
You can apply up to four months before the date when you start getting Pension Credit. The Pension Credit qualifying age is gradually increasing in line with the women’s State Pension age.
The maximum period for backdating your Pension Credit application is three months.
How should I apply for Pension Credit?
Our Welfare Advice Officers can help with Pension Credit applications.
Telephone: 028 7130 4800
Office hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
You can apply for Pension Credit by visiting the the
Northern Ireland Pension Centre website for telephone, email and application details.