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Benefits · 2025/26 rates

Pension Credit Calculator

Pension Credit tops up weekly income for pensioners — £227.10 single, £346.60 couple. It’s often missed: around 800,000 eligible pensioners don’t claim. Even £1 of Pension Credit unlocks a free TV licence, Cold Weather Payments and council tax help.

£
£

Weekly Pension Credit

£37.10

≈ £1929/year top-up.

Breakdown

  • Guarantee threshold
    £227
  • Your income
    £190
  • Tariff income from capital
    £1/wk per £500 above £10,000
    £0
  • Total counted income
    £190
  • Weekly award
    £37
  • Annual award
    £1,929

How we calculated your result

We compare your weekly income (including any ”tariff income” from capital over £10,000) to the Guarantee Credit threshold. The gap is your weekly award.

Official UK rules in simple English

  • Must be over State Pension Age and live in the UK.
  • Single threshold £227.10/wk; couple threshold £346.60/wk.
  • Capital under £10,000 is ignored; above that, £1 tariff income per £500.
  • State Pension and most private pension income counts; Attendance Allowance and PIP don’t.

Common pitfalls to watch out for

  • ⚠ Capital includes ISA money

    Cash and stocks & shares ISAs count towards the £10,000 floor — many pensioners are surprised.

  • ⚠ Backdating is limited

    Claims can only be backdated 3 months. Don’t delay if you’re close to the threshold.

  • ⚠ Free TV licence over 75

    Now linked to Pension Credit, not age alone. Without Pension Credit, the over-75 licence is no longer free.

Frequently asked questions

What other benefits does it unlock?
Council Tax Reduction, free TV licence over 75, Cold Weather Payments, Housing Benefit, NHS dental/optical, Warm Home Discount.
Does PIP count as income?
No — PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance are disregarded for Pension Credit.
Can I work and still get it?
Yes — earnings count as income. First £5/wk single, £10/wk couple is ignored, then pound-for-pound reduction.

Estimate only. Apply via gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or call 0800 99 1234 for a full assessment.

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