When to apply
You can apply up to four months before the date when you start getting Pension Credit. The Pension Credit qualifying age is gradually increasing in line with the increase in women's State Pension age. You can use the State Pension age calculator to find out the date you can start claiming Pension Credit.
The maximum period for backdating your Pension Credit claim is three months.
If you want Pension Credit to start on a past or future date, you need to tell the Northern Ireland Pension Centre when you apply.
Download a form
When you reach the qualifying age, you can apply for Pension Credit:
You can download, print and complete a claim form. When the form is complete, you can do either of the following:
- post it to the office shown on the form
- hand it in at your nearest Social Security/Jobs and Benefits office
- Social Security / Jobs and Benefits office
To calculate your payment, the Social Security Agency uses the date they received your form, not the date you downloaded the claim form.
Ask for a form
You can get Pension Credit forms from the Social Security Agency. Contact one of their offices.
Claim by telephone
To make a claim, telephone the Northern Ireland Pension Centre Application Line. Calls are free and the form will be completed for you.
Housing Benefit, Rate Relief or help with mortgage interest payments
The Northern Ireland Pension Centre can also help you apply for Housing Benefit at the same time as your application for Pension Credit.
Or you may qualify for help with your mortgage interest payments: