Pension Credit floor
If your State Pension and other income sit below the guarantee level, Pension Credit fills the gap. Most importantly, it unlocks other benefits.
2026/27 guarantee rates
Single guarantee
£227.10/wk
Couple guarantee
£346.60/wk
Source
DWP rates 2026/27
How it works
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit administered by the DWP. If your income (including State Pension and most other sources) is below the guarantee level, the top-up brings you up to it1. Savings up to £10,000 are ignored; above that, every £500 counts as £1/wk of notional income.
Why it is worth claiming small amounts
Even £1/wk of Pension Credit passport you into other benefits: Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction (in some councils), free NHS dental treatment, the Warm Home Discount, and the free TV Licence over age 752. The headline figure understates the real value.
Take-up
Despite the value, take-up of Pension Credit remains under 70%. DWP runs periodic awareness campaigns. If you are unsure, use the gov.uk calculator3.
By Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Founder, Digital Signet.
Rates current for 2026/27 · Verified Q2 2026 · Next refresh after Autumn Budget 2026