DWP has a range of benefits and discounts available to people over State Pension age
Across the UK some 13 million people have now reached State Pension age. The contributory benefit serves as the main source of income for many retirees, providing essential financial support of up to £921 every four weeks for 4.1m people receiving the New State Pension.
A total of 8.8m pensioners are getting up to £705.80 each pay period through the Basic State Pension. For those nearing the official retirement age, it’s handy to be aware of certain benefits you can claim from the DWP, as well as Council Tax discounts, assistance with heating costs and more.
Likewise, those already on State Pension payments might not know about more than a dozen ways they could potentially increase their current income in the coming months. Pension Credit is now worth an average of £4,300 annually and typically takes around 50 working days to process, meaning successful claimants could see their first payments before the end of June.
To simplify the understanding and claiming of these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has put together a comprehensive list along with quick eligibility checks to ensure older people are accessing vital support in later life, reports the Daily Record.
The most straightforward way to check eligibility for any benefit, discount or reduction is to use an online benefits calculator – find out more about these here.
If you’ve got elderly family members or mates who aren’t internet-savvy or comfortable with computers, lend them a hand to ensure they don’t miss out on extra financial support in 2025.
Benefits for people over State Pension age
There are several benefits and discounts available upon retirement, including:
- State Pension
- Pension Credit
- Help with Council Tax
- Help with heating costs – eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit
- Health benefits – Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment
- Travel and TV benefits
- Benefits for war widows and widowers
State Pension
State Pension provides a regular taxable income for the rest of your life once you reach State Pension age and claim it. Some people opt to defer this while they continue working.
It’s not means-tested, but the amount you receive depends on how many qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits you’ve accumulated. You need at least 10 years’ worth for any State Pension payment and around 35 for the maximum amount – this may be more for people who were ‘contracted out’, find out more here.
State Pension weekly payment rates 2025/26
- Full New State Pension: £230.25)
- Full Basic State Pension (Category A or B): £176.45)
Pension Credit
Currently, Pension Credit is providing extra money to help with living costs for 1.4m people across the UK who are over State Pension age and on a low income. It acts as a ‘passport’ benefit, offering on average around £4,300 this year in financial support, serving as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax discounts, assistance with housing costs and NHS discounts, along with free TV Licences for those over 75.
Try the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK for yourself or a family member to ensure you’re getting all the financial support you’re entitled to. You can also ring the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Council Tax assistance
Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, your local authority might be able to provide support towards your Council Tax payments. Get in touch with your local council to enquire about Council Tax assistance – find out more here.
Insulation and heating schemes
There are several schemes available that install insulation and heating improvements to make your home more energy efficient. If your home is poorly insulated or lacks a functioning central heating system, and if you’re receiving any income-related benefits including Pension Credit, you’re likely to be eligible.
Disability and Care Benefits
There are several benefits available for people who have disabilities, long-term health conditions or specific care needs.
These benefits include:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – if you’re under State Pension age, if you reached State Pension age while claiming PIP this will continue
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – you will need to have been already claiming this before you reached State Pension age
- Attendance Allowance – if you’re over State Pension age and have not claimed DLA or PIP
Free passport
If you were born on or before 2 September 1929, and are a British national, you could qualify for a free passport. More information and how to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Free or discounted TV Licence
You are now required to pay for your TV licence unless you receive Pension Credit. People over State Pension age may be eligible for a half-price TV Licence if they are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind. Visit the MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide to determine your eligibility.
Benefits for war widows and widowers
If your spouse or civil partner died, was injured or became ill due to their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces, or during a time of war prior to 6 April 2005, you might be entitled to a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension. If they died or sustained an injury or illness due to serving in a conflict after 6 April 2005, you might be eligible for compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
More information about War widows and widowers’ pensions and compensation can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Medical costs for war pensioners
If you require medical treatment because you were disabled while serving in the Armed Forces, you could receive help towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.
War Disablement Pension
If you sustained an injury or disability whilst serving in the Armed Forces prior to 6 April 2005, you may be eligible for additional pension support. More information about the War Disablement Pension can be found on the GOV.UK website.