Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a benefit that guarantees most people over State Pension age a minimum income. How much you are entitled to will depend on your other income and savings. There are two types of Pension Credit and you may be eligible for one or both.
Guaranteed Credit: tops up your weekly income to a minimum amount.
Saving Credit: this is a small top-up for people who have a modest amount of income or savings. It’s only available if you reached the State Pension age before 6 April 2016.
How do I apply?
To make a claim, ring the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 or visit www.gov.uk/pensioncredit.
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit helps pay for your rent if you are living on a low income. It looks at your income and savings and is based on the amount of rent you pay and any eligible service charges. If you receive Pension Credit Guarantee, then you may be entitled to full Housing Benefit.
How do I apply?
To make a claim, contact your local council.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit for those over State Pension age who have a long-term disability or health condition. You do not have to receive help, it is enough to show that you have difficulty with activities like washing and dressing, moving around in your home or getting into bed.
It isn’t means tested so it doesn’t matter what other money you receive. How much you get will depend on the level of care that you need because of your disability. Attendance Allowance is not payable if you already receive a disability benefit like Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
How do I apply?
To get a claim form ring 0800 731 0122 or visit www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance.
Pensioner Cost of Living Payment
If you’re entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024, you will get an extra £150 or £300 paid with your normal payment from November 2023.
The full amount of Winter Fuel Payment (including the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment) you will get for winter 2023 to 2024 depends on when you were born and your circumstances during the qualifying dates.
You can get a Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024 if you were born before 25 September 1957.
This guidance will be updated with the qualifying dates for the payment when they are published later in the year.
You should have been sent a letter in October or November 2023 telling you how much Winter Fuel Payment you’ll get if you’re eligible.
