How do people apply for Pension Credit?
When people apply for Pension Credit, they can also get help to apply for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit at the same time. They will only need to speak to one person and give their details once.
The easiest way is to apply by phone.
Applying for Pension Credit by phone
Customers can apply for Pension Credit by using one of the following numbers:
Telephone: Freephone 0800 99 1234
Textphone: Freephone 0800 169 0133
We provide a textphone number for people who find it hard to speak or hear clearly. If you do not have a textphone, some libraries or Citizens Advice Bureaus may have one. Textphones do not receive text messages from mobile phones.
Lines are open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm on Saturday.
If English is not their first language, they can ask a friend or family member to help. Alternatively a phone interpreter can be arranged if they need one.
A home visit can be arranged if needed.
If people would prefer, a friend or family member can call on their behalf.
Applying for Pension Credit in writing
Customers can download, print and complete the application form and post it free of charge to their pension centre.
Customers can also download and complete an application form on their computer. They can then print it and post it free to their pension centre.
To find out where to send the Pension Credit application form, customers should contact The Pension Service.
What information do people need when making a claim?
When someone makes a claim for Pension Credit, they will need the following information about the person making the claim:
- a National insurance (NI) number. This can be found on payslips, tax papers and letters from the Department for Work and Pensions
- an idea of how much money they have coming in each week. For example, this could be details of any pension they get from a former employer or a personal pension plan, and how often it is paid
- details of any savings and investments. The Pension Service will ask for the current balance in any bank and savings accounts and details of any investments, such as shares, premium bonds or unit trust certificates
- information on housing costs, such as mortgage interest, service charges or ground rent.
If someone has a partner, they will need to have the same information about them.
The Pension Service will treat people as a couple if they live with a husband, wife or civil partner, or if they live with someone as if they were their husband, wife or civil partner. They call this other person partner.
When to apply for Pension Credit
People can apply up to four months before the date from which they want to start getting Pension Credit. The maximum period that a Pension Credit claim can be backdated is three months. If anyone wants Pension Credit to start from a past or future date, they need to tell The Pension Service when they apply.
Find out more about Changes to the State Pension age and Pension Credit qualifying age.
The maximum period that a Pension Credit claim can be backdated is three months. If anyone wants Pension Credit to start from a past or future date, they need to tell The Pension Service when they apply.