27 October 2025
If you’re over State Pension age, and on a lower income, you could be eligible for Pension Credit. This is extra money you can claim from the government, on top of your State Pension, to help with your living costs.
You can claim Pension Credit if you’re still working, own your home, or have savings. A Pension Credit claim can also give you access to other benefits, such as a free TV licence and help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.
The government estimates that there may be 760,000 households in Britain that are entitled to Pension Credit, but do not claim it – so it’s worth finding out if you could.
Pension Credit is separate from your BCSSS pension, so the Scheme can’t tell you if you’re eligible or help you make a claim.
To check if you’re eligible for Pension Credit, you can use the government’s Pension Credit calculator.
If you prefer, you can also:
- watch this video from the Department of Work and Pensions
- call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age to qualify for Pension Credit.