Claim pension credit
If your main or only income is the State Retirement Pension, you may be able to get more help with the cost of living by applying for Pension Credit.
What is Pension Credit and who it’s for
Pension Credit is extra money available to older people who get a State Retirement Pension. You'll only be able to get the extra help if you first apply for Pension Credit. More than 7,000 people in Southwark already get Pension Credit. If you apply you'll get:
- Cost of Living payment
- £150 Warm Home Discount
- an extra £150 or £300 Winter Fuel Payment for winter 2023 to 2024
- free dental treatment and sight tests
Information you'll need to apply for Pension Credit
When you apply, you'll need the following information with you:
- your National Insurance number
- your bank account details and recent bank statements
- information about your savings, and investments (if you have any)
- information about your State Retirement Pension
- information about any other pensions you get
- details of any housing costs you have, such as mortgage and service charges
- your husband, wife, or partner’s details (if you have one)
Don’t miss out – prices are rising, so make sure you get what you’re entitled to.
Apply for Pension Credit
Apply online
Apply for Pension Credit online
Apply by phone
A friend or family member can call for you if you can't use the phone:
- phone: 0800 99 1234
- textphone: 0800 169 0133
- use the free Relay UK app if you can't hear or speak on the phone: call 18001 then 0800 99 1234
- British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer or find out how to use BSL service on mobile or tablet
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Find out about how call charges vary depending on what digits a phone number starts with
Apply by post
To apply by post, you can print out and fill in the Pension Credit claim form or call the claim line on 0800 99 1234 to request a form. You'll need the information listed above to apply.
Send the filled-in claim form to the Pension Service at:
The Pension Service 8
Post Handling Site B
Wolverhampton
WV99 1AN
Support with applying for Pension Credit
You can contact the Southwark Community Support Alliance for help applying for Pension Credit. They can help you find a local drop-in session.
If you'd like help to apply, there are lots of friendly local organisations that can help you, including:
Page last updated: 14 November 2023
