Check if you're eligible for Pension Credit

Check if you're eligible for Pension Credit

Find out more about Pension Credit, which is worth on average £3,900 a year to people who are eligible.

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Written by Home Energy Scotland
Published November 2024

Find out more about Pension Credit, which is worth on average £3,900 a year to people who are eligible.

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Are you – or is someone you know - of State Pension age (aged 66 years plus), on a low income, and would welcome extra help with the cost of keeping warm this winter? 

If so, you may be eligible for Pension Credit and other support including the Winter Fuel Payment.*

Read on to find out more.

What is Pension Credit?

Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. You might get extra help if you’re a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. 

You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home. Around 1.4 million people already receive Pension Credit.

How much is Pension Credit worth?

Pension Credit is worth, on average, £3,900 per year and unlocks additional support including help with council tax, NHS dental care and - for those aged over 75 - a free TV licence.

Thanks to the Pension Credit backdating rules, it is possible to apply and have the claim backdated by up to three months if you were eligible during that time. 

This means that the latest date to apply and still be eligible for Pension Credit and a Winter Fuel Payment is Saturday 21 December 2024.

Find out if you’re eligible

You must live in Scotland, England or Wales and have reached State Pension Age to qualify for Pension Credit.

Visit the UK Government website to read more about eligibility for Pension Credit. You might be able to use the Pension Credit calculator to check your eligibility and get an estimate of how much you could get.

Get help this winter

If you need help to keep your home warm this winter, contact us for free, expert and impartial advice. Our friendly advisors can tell you about ways to make your home warmer and more affordable to heat. They can explore any funding available, check if you’re eligible for a qualifying benefit and offer specialist advice to those who need additional support. 

*Eligibility criteria applies.

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