about
pensions
Clear, independent pension guidance
You may qualify for Pension Credit based on your income, savings and whether you have a partner — the rules are more generous than most people expect, and having savings rarely rules you out entirely since the first £10,000 is disregarded. The rules differ for couples, including “mixed-age” couples where only one partner has reached State Pension age. Use our Pension Credit checker for a quick estimate, or see the guide below that matches your situation.
Not sure whether you'd qualify for Pension Credit? You're not alone — the eligibility rules are more generous than most people expect, and misconceptions about savings, homeownership, and part-time work put many pensioners off checking at all. This section walks through exactly who can claim, how your income and savings are assessed, what changes if you're part of a couple, and what happens if only one of you has reached State Pension age. Whether you're checking for yourself or helping a parent or relative, start with the guide that matches your situation below, or head straight to our Pension Credit checker for a quick estimate. Remember: this section gives general guidance, not a personal assessment — GOV.UK and MoneyHelper (moneyhelper.org.uk) can confirm your own exact entitlement.
The full eligibility rules explained in plain English, with a quick self-check and common myths cleared up.
How the £10,000 disregard works, and why having savings rarely rules you out entirely.
How joint income and savings are assessed, and how the couple's minimum guarantee works.
What happens if only one of you has reached State Pension age, and how the 2019 rule change affects you.