As an organisation that regularly supports older people, carers and family members, we are sharing the latest national information from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). For more information, visit the DWP site at: Department for Work and Pensions – GOV.UK
Pension Credit: What it offers
Pension Credit provides direct financial help and can unlock a range of additional support for eligible pensioners, such as:
- Reductions in housing costs
- Help with energy bills
- Free NHS services
- Travel cost support
- Free TV licence for people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit.
Pension Credit has two parts – Guarantee Pension Credit and Savings Pension Credit. Whether you can get it depends on your circumstances. Some extra benefits are given automatically once someone receives Pension Credit.
People can check eligibility and apply at: Pension Credit: How to claim
If you care for someone
If you are aged 66 or over and you care for someone, you may be able to get an extra amount called a Carer Addition as part of Pension Credit, even if you do not receive Carer’s Allowance.
If someone is entitled to Carer’s Allowance (or Carer Support Payment in Scotland), this may also make them eligible for Pension Credit with a Carer Addition.
Find out more: Carer’s Allowance: How it works – GOV.UK
Attendance Allowance, disability benefits and Pension Credit
Receiving Attendance Allowance can increase the amount you get from some benefits, including Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, if you are on a low income.
It may also allow the person who looks after you to claim Carer’s Allowance.
If you receive Attendance Allowance, or the middle or highest rate of DLA care, PIP daily living, Scottish Adult Disability Payment or AFIP, you may get an extra £82.90 in Pension Credit.
Find out more: Attendance Allowance: Overview – GOV.UK
Bereavement and Pension Credit
If your partner has died, your circumstances may change, and you may become newly eligible for Pension Credit.
The DWP is updating its bereavement guidance to make this clearer.
State Pension age is changing
The State Pension age is currently 66. Between 6 April 2026 and 5 March 2028, it will increase in gradual steps to 67, as set out in the Pensions Act 2014.
People born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961 will have a State Pension age of 66 plus several months, not simply 66. The State Pension does not start automatically – it must be claimed. Invitation letters are sent around four months before someone reaches State Pension age.
Check your exact age and forecast using the State Pension age calculator at:
www.gov.uk/state-pension-age
Winter Fuel Payments (2025/26)
From winter 2025/26, Winter Fuel Payments will be means-tested through the tax system.
This means most pensioners (around nine million people) will still receive the payment, but those with an annual taxable income above £35,000 may have some or all of it recovered through income tax, unless they receive Pension Credit or another means-tested benefit.
Most people receive Winter Fuel Payments automatically. You do not need to register for Self-Assessment unless you have other income to report.
More information is available on: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview – GOV.UK
Winter Fuel Payment scam alert
DWP never sends text messages or emails requesting bank details for Winter Fuel Payments. Nearly all payments are automatic. Suspicious texts can be forwarded to 7726 free of charge. People should block the number and delete the message without clicking links.