How to Claim Pension Credit Online
Pensioners are now able to claim pension credit online. Starting 6 May 2020 an online claim option was added to other methods of applying for pension credit by telephone or post.
Existing methods for claiming pension credit by telephone and post will still remain available.
Pension Credit
How to claim
You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age.
You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for 3 months. This means you can get up to 3 months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time.
You will need:
- your National Insurance number
- information about your income, savings and investments
- your bank account details, if you’re applying by phone or by post
If you’re backdating your claim, you’ll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start.
Apply online
You can use the online service if:
- you have already claimed your State Pension
- there are no children or young people included in your claim
Other ways to apply
You can also apply for Pension Credit by phone or post.
It is taking longer than usual to apply by phone because of coronavirus (COVID-19).
A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.
Pension Credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 3.30pm
Find out about call charges
To apply by post, print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line to request a form.
Send the claim form to the Pension Service, or ask someone to do it for you.
Contact a voluntary organisation like Citizens Advice or AgeUK if you need help with the form.
If you disagree with a decision
You can challenge a decision about your claim. This is called asking for mandatory reconsideration.