Help with housing costs

If you receive Pension Credit, you may also be able to reduce some of your household expenses:

• Council Tax reduction to lower your council tax bill
• Housing Benefit if you rent your home (you'll only get Housing Benefit once you reach pension age - before that, it's part of Universal Credit)
• Support for mortgage interest if you own your home

To find out more about Council Tax reduction or Housing Benefit, get in touch with your local authority.

Support with energy bills

Energy costs are still high, causing concern for a lot of people in the colder months. Pension Credit can help you qualify for:

• Warm Home discount - a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill
• Cold Weather payments - £25 for each week of very cold weather between 1 November 2025 and 31 March 2026. If you're eligible, these payments will be made automatically - you don't need to apply.

Plus, Pension Credit may also entitle you to free NHS dental treatment, help with travel costs for hospital appointments, and free TV licenses.

If you receive Attendance Allowance, or certain disability benefits such as the care component of DLA, PIP, Adult Disability Payment, or AFIP, you may be entitled to extra Pension Credit.

Attendance Allowance can also act as a gateway to higher amounts of Housing Benefit or to Carer’s Allowance for someone who supports you.

You may qualify for a Carer Addition on top of Pension Credit, if:

·      you receive Carer’s Allowance, or

·      you provide regular care but are not paid Carer’s Allowance

Also, a change in circumstances, such as the loss of a partner, can mean someone previously ineligible may now qualify for Pension Credit.