Overview
- Official estimates indicate around 760,000 eligible people are not claiming Pension Credit, while about 1.4 million already receive it.
- The DWP says 78% of new applications are completed within 50 working days, with outstanding claims reduced to 12,940 in the week commencing 17 November 2025, an 84% drop since late 2024.
- Guarantee Credit can raise weekly income to £227.10 for single pensioners and £346.60 for couples, with additional amounts available for carers and severely disabled people.
- Entitlement is means-tested: most income is counted, certain disability and social payments are excluded, and savings above £10,000 are treated as generating £1 a week for every £500.
- Claims can be made online, by phone on 0800 99 1234, or by post, can be submitted up to four months before State Pension age, and are usually backdated up to three months; recipients can also access Cold Weather Payments, a free TV licence at 75, and help with NHS costs.