How losing a partner affects Pension Credit, when a new claim may be needed, and the 2026/27 rates to check after bereavement.
This guide is part of ProbateHelp's Support & Benefits guide cluster.
Also searched as: pension credit bereavement.
Frequently asked questions
My partner was receiving Pension Credit. What happens to their payments now?
Report the death to the Pension Service as soon as possible on 0800 731 0469. A partner's death is a change of circumstances if they were named on your claim. The Pension Service will tell you whether it can revise your award as a single person or whether you need to claim in your own name. Do not spend payments made for a period after the death: DWP or the bank may contact the person handling the estate about repayment.
I was not receiving Pension Credit before my partner died. Can I claim now?
You may qualify now even if you did not qualify before. The standard single-person Guarantee Credit amount is £238 per week for 2026/27, and extra amounts can apply for disability, caring, children or eligible housing costs. Your income and capital are assessed under the Pension Credit rules. Claim promptly and ask about backdating if you were eligible earlier.
Does Pension Credit affect my other benefits?
Pension Credit can be a gateway to other help. Depending on the scheme and your circumstances, you may qualify for Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit if you rent, Support for Mortgage Interest if you own your home, NHS-cost help if you get Guarantee Credit, and a free TV licence if you are 75 or over. Cold Weather Payments apply in England and Wales; Scotland has Winter Heating Payment. Winter Fuel Payment has separate rules, so check the current rules for where you live.
I have savings. Does that mean I cannot get Pension Credit?
Not necessarily. There is no upper savings limit for Pension Credit. Savings above £10,000 are treated as generating £1 a week of income for every £500, or part of £500, above that amount. For example, £15,000 counts as £10 a week of income. You may still qualify after your income, capital and any extra amounts are considered.
Can I claim Pension Credit online?
Yes — GOV.UK's online service can be used if you have already applied for your State Pension. Otherwise, call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 8am–6pm). A friend or family member can call on your behalf if needed.
How far back can I backdate my Pension Credit claim?
Pension Credit can be backdated by up to 3 months from the date you apply, provided you were eligible during that period. This means if you were eligible from the date of your partner's death but did not claim immediately, you can still recover up to 3 months of payments. Do not delay — every week you wait is a week you cannot recover beyond the 3-month window.
Will Pension Credit affect my Bereavement Support Payment?
For a year after your first Bereavement Support Payment (BSP) payment, it will not affect your other benefits, including Pension Credit. After a year, money left from your first payment could affect the amount awarded when you renew or make a claim. Tell the Pension Service when BSP starts. BSP eligibility and duration depend partly on your age when your partner died and when you reach State Pension age.
I was turned down for Pension Credit before. Should I try again?
Yes — your circumstances may have changed significantly since your last claim, particularly if your partner has recently died. Income and savings levels change, and eligibility is reassessed on current circumstances each time you apply. There is no penalty for reapplying, and Age UK and Citizens Advice can help you make the strongest possible application.