Pension credit

There are two types of pension credit:

• Guarantee credit
• Savings credit

Guarantee credit

This is for those who have reached the minimum qualifying age. This guarantees a minimum income by topping up weekly income to:

• £132.60 a week if you are single
• £202.40 a week if you have a partner

More guarantee credit may be paid if you receive Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Carers Allowance.

The age when you can get the Guarantee credit (the qualifying age) is gradually increasing from 60 to 65 between April 2010 and 2020. You can use the State Pension age calculator to find out when you can apply for guarantee credit.

Age 65 or over - savings credit

If you are aged 65 and over you may be entitled to savings credit, if you have made some provision towards your retirement, such as savings or a second pension. If you have a partner, at least one of you must be 65 or over. The savings credit can be up to:

• £20.52 a week if you are single
• £27.09 a week if you have a partner

The person who applies for pension credit must have reached the minimum qualifying age - it does not matter if their partner is under 60. 'Partner' means your husband or wife, or a person you live with as if you are married to them.

If you apply, you may be able to get up to three months back-payments if you could have been entitled earlier.