Pension Credit payment dates 2026: up to £238 a week
Couples can get up to £363.25 a week under the same guarantee credit, GOV.UK says, £125.25 more than the single rate, before savings above £10,000 start to reduce the payment.
“Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income,” GOV.UK says. The payment tops up a single claimant’s weekly income to “£238” or a couple’s joint weekly income to “£363.25 if you have a partner”. It is paid every 4 weeks, straight into a bank, building society or credit union account.
How much extra, and who qualifies?
That guarantee credit gives couples £125.25 a week more than single claimants, under GOV.UK’s weekly rates. On top of it, a severe disability extra adds “an extra £86.05 a week” for a claimant on Attendance Allowance or PIP’s daily living part, and a carer extra adds “an extra £48.15 a week” for a claimant on Carer’s Allowance. A claimant who qualifies for both extras together would see their weekly guarantee rise by £134.20.
| claim type | weekly amount |
|---|---|
| single, guarantee credit | tops income to £238 |
| couple, guarantee credit | tops joint income to £363.25 |
| severe disability extra | +£86.05 |
| carer extra | +£48.15 |
Who can claim, and do savings count?
A claimant “must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age”, GOV.UK says — Northern Ireland runs its own scheme. Savings up to £10,000 do not affect the claim; above that, GOV.UK says “every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week”.
What about Savings Credit?
A smaller part of the payment, Savings Credit, is closed to most new claimants: GOV.UK says it applies only if “you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016”, paying up to “£17.96” a week for a single claimant or “£20.10” with a partner.
How to claim, and what about bank holidays?
A claim can start “up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age”, GOV.UK says, by phone, online or post. The claim line is “0800 99 1234”, open “Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm”. A late claim can still be backdated, because “your application can only be backdated by 3 months”. As with other DWP benefits, a payment due on a weekend or bank holiday is usually paid on the working day before instead.
How much is Pension Credit a week?
Up to £238 for a single claimant or £363.25 for a couple, plus extra amounts for disability or caring.
How often is it paid?
Every 4 weeks, straight into an account.
Can I claim before State Pension age?
Applications can start up to 4 months before you reach it, and claims can be backdated by 3 months.
Getting Pension Credit also opens the door to Housing Benefit, a Council Tax Reduction and a free TV licence from age 75, GOV.UK says.