Pension Credit eligibility

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.