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Pension age benefits

State Pension

State Pension is a regular payment from the UK Government that most people can claim when they reach their State Pension age. It is based on your National Insurance contributions or National Insurance credits. State Pension age is 66 for both men and women until May 2026, when it will gradually increase to 67 by March 2028. Check your own State Pension age by using the calculator here.

For more information check out Age Scotland’s State Pension guide.


Pension Credit

Entitlement to the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit will make you eligible for other benefits and cost of living payments so it’s worth looking into even if you’re not sure.

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for older people who are living on an income below a level set by Government. There are two parts to Pension Credit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. If you and your partner have reached State Pension age, Guarantee Credit will top up your income to a guaranteed minimum level, currently £201.05 per week if you are single and £305.85 if you are a couple. If you are a couple you both need to be State Pension age to make a new claim.

To claim Pension Credit, you can either:

  • Claim online here
  • Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 . They’ll fill in the application for you over the phone.

It can be helpful to have the following details to hand before you get started:

  • your National Insurance number
  • your bank account details
  • information about your income, savings, and investments
  • information about your pension (if you have one)
  • details of any housing costs you have (such as rent and service charge)
  • your partner’s details if you have a partner

These rates of Pension Credit may be higher if you receive:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • The daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
  • The daily living component of Adult Disability Payment
  • Disability Living Allowance middle or higher rate care components
  • Carer’s Allowance (and also if you have an underlying entitlement to Carer’s Allowance but do not receive it because your State Pension is more than £76.75)
  • Constant Attendance Allowance paid with a War Pension or with Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or Armed Forces Independence Payment

Savings Credit can be claimed by some people who reached their State Pension age before April 2016. 

For more information visit the following links:

Age Scotland – Pension Credit guide March 2023

Pension Credit: How to claim

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