Pension Credit is a means tested benefit for people of State Pension age whose total income falls below a certain level.
A pension aged person or couple has an income below a certain level, Pension Credit is available to top them up to what is considered a minimum level of income.
For individuals the minimum guarantee of Pension Credit is £238.00 per week, and for cou-ples it is £363.35 per week. There is another type of Pension Credit called Savings Credit, but this is only available for people of a certain age in specific situations.
The Pension Credit rates can be increased by additional elements, for example if someone is receiving a relevant health and disability benefit.
As a means tested benefit, Pension Credit looks at income and savings, but only savings above £10,000 can lead to a reduction in the amount awarded.
Pension Credit often goes unclaimed and can ensure entitlement to other kinds of financial support, so it is worthwhile checking eligibility.