How to claim Pension Credit and get help with rent if you are over State Pension age
Key points
- Pension Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum — £238 a week if you are single, or £363.25 if you are a couple — the government pays the difference if your income is below that.
- If you get Pension Credit and rent privately, you can also claim Housing Benefit from your local council to help cover your rent.
- Claims can be backdated by up to 3 months — applying now means you could be in payment before the Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week on 21 September 2026.
If you are over State Pension age and renting privately on a low income, Pension Credit could make a real difference. More than 880,000 households across the UK are eligible but have never claimed it. The average award is worth over £3,900 a year.
What Pension Credit does
Pension Credit is a weekly payment from the government that tops up your income to a guaranteed minimum. The main part is called Guarantee Credit.
Guarantee Credit sets a floor for your weekly income:
- £238.00 a week if you are single
- £363.25 a week if you are a couple
If your total weekly income — including your State Pension, any private pension, and other regular income — falls below those amounts, the government pays the difference. You do not need to be on any other benefit to qualify.
How it helps with your rent
If you get Pension Credit and you rent privately, you can claim Housing Benefit from your local council to help cover your rent.
Since 1 July 2026, new Housing Benefit claims are only open to people who have reached State Pension age or who live in supported or temporary housing. If you are 66 or over, renting privately, and on a low income, Pension Credit is the gateway to that help.
You can claim Housing Benefit as part of your Pension Credit application. Tell the DWP Pension Service that you rent privately and they will pass your details to your local council.
Why you should apply now
The Winter Fuel Payment qualifying week for 2026 to 2027 runs from 21 to 27 September 2026. If you are in receipt of Pension Credit during that week, you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically — between £100 and £300 to help with your heating bills this winter.
Pension Credit claims can be backdated by up to 3 months. If you apply in late July or August and your claim is approved, you could be in payment before that September qualifying week and also receive backdated payments.
Search for your next property on DSSmove →Who qualifies?
You may be eligible if you:
- live in England, Scotland or Wales
- have reached State Pension age (currently 66)
- have a weekly income below £238.00 (single) or £363.25 (couple)
Having savings does not automatically rule you out. Use the free Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK to see where you stand.
How to claim
Apply online at gov.uk/pension-credit. You can also apply by calling the Pension Credit claim line (free, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm). When you apply, tell the adviser that you rent privately so that they can start your Housing Benefit claim at the same time.
Citizens Advice can check whether you are likely to qualify and help you complete the form for free.
Frequently asked questions
I have some savings — can I still get Pension Credit?
Yes — there is no upper savings limit for Pension Credit, so having savings does not automatically stop you qualifying; use the free Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK or contact Citizens Advice for free, confidential advice on your own situation.
Does Pension Credit apply in Scotland and Wales?
Yes — Pension Credit is run by the DWP and the rules are the same in England, Scotland and Wales; Northern Ireland has a separate but similar scheme managed by the Pension Service NI.
Official source: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit