Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit in 2026/27?
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum of GBP 238.00 if you are single, or GBP 363.25 for couples, in 2026/27, provided you are of qualifying age and your income falls below these thresholds.
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Pension Credit Guarantee Credit 2026/27 -- Full Explanation Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of State Pension age (currently 66+). It has two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. This answer focuses on Guarantee Credit, which is the more significant element. What Guarantee Credit does Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. For 2026/27 these minimum income thresholds (the 'appropriate minimum guarantee') are: - Single person: GBP 238.00 per week - Couple (both of qualifying age): GBP 363.25 per week If your total income (from State Pension, private pensions, part-time work, savings income, etc.) is below these figures, Guarantee Credit fills the gap to bring you up to the relevant level. Additional premiums Your Guarantee Credit minimum can be higher if you qualify for additional components: - Severe disability premium: GBP 81.50/week (single), GBP 163.00/week (couple, both disabled) - Carer premium: GBP 45.60/week if you are a carer - Child additions if you are responsible for children Capital treatment Savings and capital above GBP 10,000 reduce your entitlement. For every GBP 500 (or part of GBP 500) above GBP 10,000, HMRC assumes GBP 1 per week of 'tariff income'. Capital above GBP 10,000 in a care home raises this to GBP 1 per GBP 250. Why it matters beyond income top-up Receiving even GBP 1 of Pension Credit can unlock a range of other entitlements: - Free TV licence (if aged 75+) - Housing Benefit - Council Tax Reduction - Cold Weather Payment - NHS dental treatment, glasses and hospital travel costs - Winter Fuel Payment (from 2025/26 onwards, means-tested) How to claim Claims can be made by phone (0800 99 1234) or online. You can backdate a claim by up to three months. HMRC estimates that around 850,000 eligible pensioners fail to claim each year, leaving significant money unclaimed. Checking entitlement Use the gov.uk Pension Credit calculator or contact the Pension Service to get a personalised estimate before assuming you do not qualify. Even modest private pension income does not necessarily take you above the threshold.
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This answer is informational only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Figures are for the 2025/26 UK tax year. See our methodology and sources.