Applying for Pension Credit

The Department for Communities is sending out this letter to alert people they may be missing out on Pension Credit.

When to apply

You can apply up to four months before the date when you start getting Pension Credit. 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 will become eligible to receive Pension Credit.

You can claim any time after you reach Pension Credit qualifying age, but your claim can only be backdated for 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.

• Calculating your State Pension age

Claim by telephone

The quickest way to apply for Pension Credit is by phone. To make a claim, telephone the Northern Ireland Pension Centre Application Line. Calls are free and the form will be completed for you.

A family member or friend can call for you - you must be with them when they call.

• Northern Ireland Pension Centre

Download a form

When you reach the qualifying age, you can apply for Pension Credit:

• Pension Credit Application Form

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 or Jobs & benefits office

To calculate your payment, the Department for Communities uses the date it receives your form, not the date you download the claim form.

Ask for a form

You can get Pension Credit forms from your local Social security or Jobs & benefits office.  Contact one of their offices.

• Social security or Jobs & benefits offices

What you need to claim

You will need:

• your National Insurance number
• information about your income, savings and investments
• your bank account details

If you disagree with a decision

If you are refused Pension Credit or think it has been calculated wrongly, ask the Northern Ireland Pension Centre to look at the decision again. If you are still unhappy with the outcome, you can appeal to an independent Appeal Tribunal.

• Appeal against a benefits decision

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.

• An introduction to Housing Benefit Rate Relief for homeowners

Or you may qualify for help with your mortgage interest payments:

• Getting help to make your mortgage interest payments