Answers · UK 2025/26
What is the Pension Credit Guarantee Credit rate for 2026/27?
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a minimum level if you are over State Pension age and have a low income. For 2026/27, the Guarantee Credit minimum is approximately £227.10/week for single people and £346.60/week for couples. These rates are typically confirmed in the April uprate and are aligned with the triple lock mechanism.
Full answer
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up the income of pensioners in the UK. It has two components: Guarantee Credit (minimum income guarantee) and Savings Credit (for those who saved for retirement). Savings Credit is only available to people who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. **Guarantee Credit 2026/27 (estimated)** The exact rates for 2026/27 are confirmed each April but are typically announced in the Autumn Statement. Based on the standard uprating: - Single person: approximately £227.10/week - Couple: approximately £346.60/week (2025/26 confirmed rates: £218.15/week single, £332.95/week couples -- uprated by September CPI 2025) **How it works** If your weekly income (State Pension, private pension, earnings, certain benefits) is below the Guarantee Credit level, Pension Credit tops it up to that minimum. **Worked example -- single pensioner** Margaret, aged 72, receives: - New State Pension: £180/week (below maximum due to NI gaps) - No other income Guarantee Credit tops up: £227.10 - £180.00 = £47.10/week additional Total weekly income: £227.10 **Worked example -- couple** Robert and Jean (both over State Pension age) receive combined pensions of £290/week. Guarantee Credit tops up: £346.60 - £290 = £56.60/week **Additional amounts** On top of the standard Guarantee Credit, you may qualify for additional Pension Credit if you: - Are a carer: extra approximately £46/week (Carer Premium) - Have a severe disability: extra approximately £81/week - Are responsible for children **Why claim?** Pension Credit is significantly under-claimed -- approximately 1 in 3 eligible pensioners does not claim. Importantly, claiming Pension Credit unlocks additional benefits: free TV licence (if aged 75+), full Housing Benefit, Cold Weather Payments, and the Winter Fuel Payment (where conditions changed from 2024 -- check current eligibility). **Savings Credit (old State Pension)** For those who reached State Pension age before April 2016, Savings Credit rewards those who have small private savings or pensions. Maximum Savings Credit: approximately £17.30/week (single) and £19.36/week (couples) -- these figures are approximate for 2026/27.
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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.