How To Claim Pension Credit
4 How To Claim
The quickest way to apply for Pension Credit is by phone. A friend or family member can call for you – you must be with them when they call.
Pension Credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
You can use a paper application if you’re unable to make a claim by phone. Contact a voluntary organisation (for example Citizens Advice or AgeUK) in your area – or get a friend or family member to call the helpline to ask for a paper application.
You can also apply online.
What you need to claim
You will need:
- your National Insurance number
- information about your income, savings and investments
- your bank account details
The earliest you can start your application is 4 months before you reach Pension Credit qualifying age. You can claim any time after you reach Pension Credit qualifying age but your claim can only be backdated for 3 months.
Appeal a decision
You can appeal to the Social Security and Child Support Tribunal if you disagree with a decision. You must usually ask for ‘mandatory reconsideration’ before you appeal.
If your circumstances change
Phone the helpline if your circumstances change as this can affect how much you get. For example, if your income or capital goes up or down.
Pension Service helpline
Telephone: 0345 606 0265
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Get face-to-face advice about Pension Credit from your local Service Information Point. You need to book for this.
Changes to Assessed Income Periods (AIPs)
An AIP is a period when you don’t have to report changes to your pensions, savings or investments.
Your Pension Credit award letter tells you if you have one.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
