The Pension Credit will be made up of two parts: the 'Guarantee' for those aged 60 and over and the 'Savings Credit' for those aged 65 and over. The Guarantee will give single people an income of £124.05 per week and couples an income of £189.35 per week. The Savings Credit will top up the income of people who have extra income on top of the Basic State Pension, up to a maximum of £173.33 per week if you are single or £254.68 if you are a couple. These figures will be higher if you receive certain carers benefits, disability benefits or have certain housing costs. If you have savings over £6,000 you be assumed to receive an income of £1.00 per week for each £500 or part of £500 you have over the £6,000.

If you receive the Guarantee you should receive full Housing Benefit and/ or Council Tax Benefit. If you only receive the Savings Credit you should get a reduced amount of Housing Benefit and / or Council Tax Benefit, unless you have savings over £16,000.

To claim the Pension Credit you can telephone the helpline on 0800 99 1234 (0800 169 0133 if using a textphone). You can also print a copy of the form from the website at The Pension Service website.