Applying for Pension Credit
You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, a pension, savings or own your own home. Even a small Pension Credit award can provide access to a wide range of other benefits. You can apply online, by phone or by post.
When to apply
You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age.
You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age, but your application can only be backdated by three months.
This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
What you need to apply
You will need the following information about you and your partner if you have one:
- National Insurance number
- information about any income, savings and investments you have
- information about your income, savings and investments on the date you want to backdate your application to (usually three months ago or the date you reached State Pension age)
You will also need your bank account details, if you are applying by phone or by post
Apply online
You can apply for Pension Credit online if you have already applied for your State Pension.
Apply by telephone
To apply by phone, call the Northern Ireland Pension Centre application line. Calls are free.
A family member or friend can call for you - you must be with them when they call.
If you use sign language, you might be able to use the video relay service to apply for Pension Credit using British Sign Language (BSL) or Irish Sign Language (ISL). To access the service go to the:
Download a form and apply by post
You can download a Pension Credit application form which also has notes to help you fill it in.
You can fill in this version online and print off your completed form.
Send your completed form to the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.
To calculate your payment, the Department for Communities uses the date it receives your form, not the date you download the application form.
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.
Housing Benefit, Rate Relief or help with mortgage interest payments
The Northern Ireland Pension Centre can also help you apply for Housing costs at the same time as your application for Pension Credit.
Or you may qualify for help with your mortgage interest payments:
Get a proof of benefit letter for Pension Credit
You may need a proof of benefit letter to access various government supports and services.
If you need proof that you are getting Pension Credit you can get a proof of benefit letter online.
If you cannot use the online service, you can contact the Northern Ireland Pension Centre.
Help and advice
For further information and advice on Pension Credit or help with making a claim contact: