The DWP provides a range of benefits to those who have reached State Pension age, with some 13 million people across the UK now in receipt of the contributory benefit
Across the UK, approximately 13 million peopl have now reached State Pension age. The contributory benefit serves as a vital income source for many retirees, providing essential financial support of up to £921 every four weeks for 4.1 million recipients of the New State Pension.
An additional 8.8 million pensioners receive up to £705.80 each pay period through the Basic State Pension. For those nearing retirement age, it is crucial to be aware of certain benefits claimable from the DWP, as well as Council Tax discounts, assistance with heating costs and more.
Similarly, those already receiving State Pension payments may not realise there are over a dozen ways they could potentially boost their current income in the coming months.
Pension Credit, currently worth an average of £4,300 annually, takes roughly 50 working days to process, meaning successful claimants could see their first payments arrive before the end of June.
To simplify the understanding and claiming of these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a comprehensive list, complete with quick eligibility checks to ensure older individuals are accessing essential support in later life, reports the Daily Record.
If you’re aware of an older family member or mate who doesn’t have internet access or isn’t at ease using a computer, give them a hand to make sure they don’t miss out on extra financial support in 2025.
Benefits for those over the State Pension age
- Help with heating costs – eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit
- Pension Credit
- Travel and TV benefits
- Help with Council Tax
- Benefits for war widows and widowers
- State Pension
- Health benefits – Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment
State Pension
The State Pension provides a regular taxable income for 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 received depends on how many qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits have been accumulated. At least 10 years’ worth is needed for any State Pension payment and around 35 for the maximum amount – this may be higher for people who were ‘contracted out’.
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
Pension Credit currently benefits 1.4 million people across the UK by providing extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It acts as a ‘passport’ benefit, offering on average around £4,300 each year in financial support and access to Council Tax discounts, help with housing costs, NHS discounts, and free TV Licences for the over-75s.
Try the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV. UK for yourself or a family member to ensure you’re receiving all the financial support you are entitled to. You can also reach out to the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234. .
Help with Council Tax
Help with Council Tax is available whether you own your home or rent, and you could be eligible for support from your local authority. Contact your local council to inquire about assistance with Council Tax.
Insulation and heating schemes
Insulation and heating schemes exist that install insulation and heating improvements to make your home more energy efficient. If your home is poorly insulated or lacks a working central heating system, and if you receive any of a range of income-related benefits including Pension Credit, you’re likely to be eligible.
Disability and care benefits
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – you will need to have been already claiming this before you reached State Pension age
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – if you’re under State Pension age, if you reached State Pension age while claiming PIP this will continue
- Attendance Allowance – if you’re over State Pension age and have not claimed DLA or PIP
Benefits for war widows and widowers
Benefits are available 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 could 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 entitled to compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. More details about War widows and widowers’ pensions and compensation can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Free / Discounted TV Licence
Regarding TV Licences, they are no longer free unless you receive Pension Credit. Those over State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind might qualify for a half-price TV Licence.
Free passport
If you were born on or before 2 September 1929, and are a British national, you may be eligible for a free passport. More information and how to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website.
War Disablement Pension
If you sustained an injury or disability while serving in the Armed Forces prior to April 6, 2005, you may be eligible for additional pension support. More information about the War Disablement Pension can be found on the GOV.UK.
Medical costs for war pensioners
Medical costs for war pensioners are also covered. If you require medical treatment because you were disabled while serving in the Armed Forces, you could get help towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.
