Examples
Here are some examples to show you how much Pension Credit people with different circumstances might get.
Example 1 - Amy
Amy is single and is 62. She lives in her son's home. The only money she has is her State Pension of £90.70 a week.
Pension Credit will give her £33.35 a week extra. As a result her total weekly income will increase to £124.05.
Example 2 - Balbir and Manju
Balbir and Manju are a couple and are both 75. Their weekly income is as follows:
| State Pension (Balbir) | £90.70 |
| State Pension (Manju) | £90.70 |
| Personal pension (Balbir) | £16.00 |
| Savings of £8,000 (we assume £1 of income for every £500 or part of £500 for any savings over £6.000.) | £4.00 |
| Total weekly income | £201.40 |
Pension Credit will give them £21.31 a week extra (savings credit only). As a result their total weekly income will increase to £222.71.
Example 3 - Betty
Betty is 66. She is single and a severely disabled person. Her weekly income is as follows:
| State Pension | £90.70 |
| Attendance Allowance (this is not counted as income for Pension Credit purposes) | £67.00 |
| Savings of £5,000 (we do not assume any income from these savings as they are less than £6,000) | £0 |
| Total weekly income | £157.70 |
Pension Credit will give her an extra £83.70 a week. (This includes an extra amount of £50.35 because Betty is severely disabled). As a result, her total weekly income will increase to £241.40.
Example 4 - Kathleen
Kathleen is 68 and a widow. Her weekly income is as follows:
| Late husband's State Pension | £97.50 |
| Kathleen's work pension | £20.00 |
| Late husband's work pension | £49.00 |
| Savings of £11,500 (we assume £1 of income for every £500 or part of £500 of savings you have over £6,000) | £11.00 |
| Total weekly income | £177.50 |
Kathleen is not entitled to Pension Credit because her income is too high. She may still be entitled to Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit if she is a tenant. The Pension Service would be happy to check Kathleen’s calculations. She should look again if her circumstances change and also every April (when the benefit rates increase) to see if she is entitled to Pension Credit.
To apply for Pension Credit call 0800 99 1234
Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.00am - 8.00pm