Even if you are not entitled to pension credits or have not made a claim for pension credits you may still be entitled to help with your rent and council tax bill.

Pension credit is paid by the pension service, part of the 'Department for Work and Pensions.'

Pension credits provide:

• A guaranteed level of income for everyone aged 60 or over. Amounts may be higher if you are severely disabled, look after someone who is severely disabled or have certain housing costs. This is called the guarantee credit. 

• A reward for people aged 65 and over for some of the savings and income they have for their retirement.

This is called the savings credit.

If you or your partner are aged 65 or over you may be able to get both a guarantee credit and a savings credit. You may get a savings credit even if you do not get a guarantee credit depending on your circumstances.

If you receive the guarantee credit (with or without the savings credit), this will entitle you to the maximum eligible amount of housing and council tax benefit, after any deductions for other adults living in your home or restrictions due to high rents.

If you receive the savings credit only, you will not get maximum help but you may still be able to get some help with your rent and / or council tax if your savings and / or investments are £16,000 or less.

More information for pensioners is available on the governments pensions and retirement page.

The Pension Credit helpline is 0800 99 1234.