Pension Credit
How to claim
Before you apply for Pension Credit, check if you’re eligible.
When you can apply
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.
You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age but your application can only be backdated by 3 months. This means you can get up to 3 months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
If you’re applying to get a Winter Fuel Payment
Check that you meet the eligibility criteria for Winter Fuel Payments before applying for Pension Credit.
If you live in Scotland, check if you can get Winter Heating Payment instead.
You must apply for Pension Credit by 21 December 2024 to qualify for a 2024 to 2025 Winter Fuel Payment (or Winter Heating Payment, if you live in Scotland).
Information you’ll need
You’ll need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- information about any income, savings and investments you have
- information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually 3 months ago or the date you reached State Pension age)
You’ll also need your bank account details. Depending on how you apply, you may also be asked for your bank or building society name, sort code and account number.
Apply online
You can use the online service if you have already applied for your State Pension.
Apply by phone
A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.
Pension Credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer - find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about call charges
Apply by post
To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form.
Send the claim form to the Pension Service, or ask someone to do it for you.
Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3
Do not write anything except the freepost address on the envelope. You do not need a postcode or a stamp.
Contact a voluntary organisation like Citizens Advice or Age UK if you need help with the form.
If you disagree with a decision
You can challenge a decision about your Pension Credit application. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.