Pension Credit: technical guidance
Detailed guidance about what Pension Credit is, how it's worked out, the eligibility rules and the application process.
Documents
Details
The Pension Credit technical guidance (PC10S) is intended for use by professional and voluntary advisers, and by members of the public who want more detailed information.
If you currently get Pension Credit or would like to apply for it, read the Pension Credit guide for claimants.
Updates to this page
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Updated 'A detailed guide to Pension Credit for advisers and others (April 2025)' following changes to Winter Fuel Payment.
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The rates and guidance have been updated for 2025 to 2026.
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Updated 'A detailed guide to Pension Credit for advisers and others' with new information
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Updated with the latest benefit rates, effective from April 2024.
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Published updated guide with various amendments to bring it in line with the current rules for Pension Credit. These include partially disregarded income in relation to Carer Support Payments in Scotland, the Victims of Overseas Terrorism Compensation Scheme, payments regarding the failings of the Post Office Horizon system, vaccine damage payments, payments regarding the Infected Blood Inquiry and Widowed Parent's Allowance for survivors of a cohabiting relationship.
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Updated with the latest benefit rates, effective from 11 April 2023.
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Updated with the latest benefit rates, effective from 11 April 2022.
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Updated with the latest benefit rates, effective from 11 April 2022.
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Under 'Further information', updated the address to write to Pension Credit.
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Updated with the latest rates effective from 12 April 2021.
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Updated guidance on mixed age couples on pages 18 to 23 for a change in the rules from 27 January 2021 that means people who were entitled to a severe disability premium can now claim Universal Credit.
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Updated the guidance for people who come to GB temporarily and the habitual residence test on page 75 for the new rules from 1 January 2021 for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens.
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Updated 'A detailed guide to Pension Credit for advisers and others' to April 2020 version.
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Updated the publication to reflect changes made to Pension Credit entitlement in 2019. This includes information about the introduction of a 'child addition' part to the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, which provides support to those with a responsibility for a child or qualifying young person. Also updated the information to reflect the changes to eligibility for couples where one partner is of working age.
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Published revised version that takes the new rates from April 2018 into account.
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Published revised version that takes changes from April 2017 into account.
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Published revised guide with information about the temporary absence abroad rules from 28 July 2016.
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Updated the guide to take account of the April 2016 changes to benefit rates, Savings Credit rules and Assessed Income Period rules. The guide also includes the latest information on ‘pension flexibilities’ and takes account of the July 2016 changes to the rules ontemporary absence from Great Britain.
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Published updated guide with various amendments to bring it in line with the current rules for Pension Credit.
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Published updated guide with various amendments to bring it in line with the current rules for Pension Credit.
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First published.