Pension Credit Explained: An Essential Guide to Your Retirement income

It's a fact of life: we all grow old. And when we do, one of the things we worry about most is whether we'll have enough money to live comfortably. That's where Pension Credit comes in.
Pension Credit is a top-up to your State Pension that can give you a real boost to your retirement income. But what exactly is it?
In simple terms, Pension Credit is a benefit that's paid by the government to people who have reached State Pension age and have low incomes. The amount of Pension Credit you get depends on your circumstances, but it can be worth up to £350 a week extra.
To be eligible for Pension Credit, you must:

Be over State Pension age (currently 66)
Have a low income
Be a British citizen or have lived in the UK for at least 10 years

What is a low income?
For the purposes of Pension Credit, a low income is defined as:

Less than £182.60 a week if you're single
Less than £278.70 a week if you're a couple

These amounts include any other benefits you receive, such as Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment.
How do I claim Pension Credit?
You can claim Pension Credit online, by phone or by post. The easiest way to claim is online, but you can also get help from your local Jobcentre Plus or Citizens Advice bureau.
What do I need to claim Pension Credit?
You'll need to provide some information about yourself, such as your National Insurance number, your bank details and your income.
What happens if I'm eligible for Pension Credit?
If you're eligible for Pension Credit, you'll be paid the benefit every week. The amount you receive will depend on your circumstances, but it can be worth up to £350 a week extra.
Pension Credit can make a real difference to your retirement income. If you think you might be eligible, it's worth checking to see if you can claim.