•Pension credit (PC) is a benefit for people on a low income who are at least pension age.

•There are two types of PC: guarantee credit, which ensures a minimum level of income, and savings credit, which is intended to ‘reward’ you for making provision for your retirement, such as through savings or an occupational pension. You can be entitled to either guarantee credit, savings credit or both.

•PC is a means-tested benefit.

•PC can include additional amounts for severe disability, carers and for a child or qualifying young person for whom you are responsible.

•You do not have to have paid national insurance contributions to qualify.

•You can qualify for PC whether you are in or out of work.

•PC is administered and paid by the Pension Service, which is part of the DWP.

•If you disagree with a PC decision, you can apply for a revision or supersession (see Chapter 56), or appeal against it (see Chapter 57). You must apply for a mandatory reconsideration before you can appeal.