Pensions Credit

Pension credit is a means-tested benefit for older people. Pension credit consists of two parts and and you can claim either or both depending on your circumstances. The two parts are:-

a guarantee credit.

a savings credit.

(This part is available to people aged 65 or over who have a small amount of income or savings)

To qualify for the guarantee credit you need to be:-

aged 60 or over; and

have the right to reside, satisfies the habitual residence test and is not subject to immigration control and

are not temporarily absent from the UK for more than four weeks, or eight weeks if s/he is taking a child abroad for medical treatment. (However, if you leave Great Britain temporarily for NHS treatment abroad, you can remain entitled to pension credit and

has no income, or her/his income is below a specified amount

You can obtain a claim pack by

obtaining forms DS704 or DS706 from your local Post Office

from the web site www.dwp.gov.uk

by telephoning the Benefits Enquiry Line (0800 882200)

Assistance in completing the claim can be obtained from local agencies such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or by telephoning the local benefits Centre (0800 220674)

Need more information?

Contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau