Pension Credit calculator
Pension Credit tops weekly income up to a standard minimum guarantee of £238.00 for a single pensioner or £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27, according to gov.uk. Only the Department for Work and Pensions decides an actual award, so this estimate cannot be relied on to make or refuse a claim.
How is Guarantee Credit calculated?
Guarantee Credit works by topping weekly income up to a minimum set by the government, as explained on gov.uk. That minimum is higher for a person with a severe disability or caring responsibilities. Income from the State Pension, private pensions and any earnings is added up and compared with the minimum for the household. If income is below the minimum, Pension Credit pays the difference.
Savings are treated gently under the same gov.uk rules. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored completely. Above that, a deemed income of £1 a week is added for each £500 of savings. Because the scheme fills a gap rather than applying a hard cut-off, many people who assume their income is too high still qualify for a small award, and that small award can open the door to help with rent and Council Tax.
| Household | Weekly minimum |
|---|---|
| Single | £238.00 |
| Couple | £363.25 |
What does the worked example show?
A single pensioner with £190.00 a week of income and £4,000 in savings is compared with the £238.00 minimum guarantee. The savings are under the £10,000 gov.uk disregard, so they add nothing to counted income. The gap of about £48.00 a week is the estimated Guarantee Credit, roughly £2,496 over the year, though the Department for Work and Pensions alone decides the actual award.
Common questions
What is Pension Credit?
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over State Pension age on a low income. The Guarantee Credit part tops your weekly income up to a minimum, about £238 a week for a single person and £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27. There is a separate, smaller Savings Credit for some older pensioners.
Why claim it even for a small amount?
Because Pension Credit is a passport. Getting even a few pounds of Guarantee Credit can unlock help with rent, Council Tax, a free TV licence if you are 75 or over, help with NHS costs, and the Winter Fuel Payment. That extra help is often worth far more than the Pension Credit itself.
Do my savings stop me claiming?
There is no fixed savings limit for Pension Credit. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored. Above £10,000 a "deemed" income of £1 a week is added for each £500 over that line, which slightly raises your counted income. So savings reduce the award gradually rather than cutting it off.
What is Savings Credit?
Savings Credit is an extra amount that rewards people who saved a little for retirement. It is only available if you reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. It is modest, but if you qualify it is worth claiming alongside the Guarantee Credit. This tool estimates the Guarantee Credit only.
Can a couple claim?
Yes, but a couple must usually both have reached State Pension age to make a new claim. If one partner is under that age, the couple would normally look at Universal Credit instead. The couple figures in this tool assume both partners are over State Pension age.
How is Guarantee Credit calculated?
Guarantee Credit compares counted weekly income against a standard minimum guarantee, £238.00 for a single pensioner or £363.25 for a couple in 2026/27, as published on gov.uk. If income is below that minimum, Pension Credit pays the difference. The first £10,000 of savings is ignored, and above that a deemed income of £1 a week is added for every £500.
What does the worked example show?
In the worked example, a single pensioner with £190 a week of income and £4,000 of savings is compared with the £238.00 minimum guarantee. The savings sit under the £10,000 disregard, so nothing is added to counted income. The gap between income and the minimum is the estimated Guarantee Credit, though the Department for Work and Pensions decides any real award after a claim.
Sources & Rate Verification
Rates verified against official statutory guidance on 6 September 2026.