Pension Credit

Pension Credit is currently the most common form of means-tested benefit for pensioners. It replaced the Minimum Income Guarantee in 2003 and aims to ensure that pensioners have at least the minimum income to which they are entitled, and ensure that those who have saved for their retirement are rewarded for doing so. Pension Credit is in two parts, the Guarantee Credit and the Savings Credit, and if you are over sixty you may be entitled to one or both parts to enhance your retirement income. Pension Credit is calculated taking your retirement income, your marital status, and your savings into account. It is not based on any National Insurance contributions you may or may not have made.
For a detailed guide to the Credit see Pension Credit.