Across Great Britain, the number of individuals who have reached State Pension age has hit 13 million. The contributory benefit serves as a crucial financial lifeline for many retirees, with up to £884.80 provided every four weeks to 4.1 million recipients of the New State Pension.
Meanwhile, approximately 8.8 million pensioners receive up to £678 per pay period through the Basic State Pension. As one nears the official retirement age, it’s imporant to be aware of certain benefits claimable from the DWP, along with Council Tax discounts, heating cost assistance, and others.
Likewise, those already on State Pension may not realise there are a number of other ways to potentially increase their current income in the coming months. Most of these are benefits that do not impact State Pension payments.
To simplify these benefits, discounts, and reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a comprehensive list complete with quick eligibility checks to ensure older individuals are accessing essential support in their later years, as reported by the Daily Record.
If you know an elderly family member or friend who lacks internet access or isn’t computer-savvy, lend them a hand to ensure they don’t miss out on additional financial support in 2025.
Below are the benefits people over State Pension age may be eligible for.
State Pension
The State Pension provides a regular taxable income for life once you reach the 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 higher for people who were ‘contracted out’.
More information can be found here.
Pension Credit
Currently, Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs for 1.4 million people across the UK who are over State Pension age and on a low income. It is a ‘passport’ benefit that offers on average around £4,200 each year in financial support, acting as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax discounts, assistance with housing costs, NHS discounts, and free TV Licences for those over 75.
Try the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK for yourself or a family member to make sure you’re receiving all the financial support you are entitled to. You can also call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Insulation and Heating schemes
Several programmes are available that provide insulation and heating upgrades to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. If your home lacks proper insulation or a functioning central heating system, and you’re receiving income-related benefits such as Pension Credit, you’re likely to be eligible.
Council Tax help
Regardless of whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, you may qualify for support from your local council to help cover your Council Tax. To inquire about Council Tax assistance, contact your local council.
Disability and care benefits
There are several benefits accessible to individuals with disabilities, chronic health issues, or specific care requirements.
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
- Adult Disability Payment – replacing PIP for people living in Scotland
- 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
- Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) – a new benefit replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland and available to claim now in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland.
Travel concessions
If you’re over 60 or disabled, you can find information about travel concessions on the Age UK website here
Free passport
If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and hold British nationality, you may qualify for a free passport. More information and application details can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Free of discount BBC TV licence
TV licences now require payment unless you are in receipt of Pension Credit. Those over State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may be eligible for a half-price TV Licence.
You can also can get a TV Licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation
Benefits for war widows and widowers
Should your spouse or civil partner have died, been injured or fallen ill due to their service in HM Armed Forces, or during a time of war prior to April 6, 2005, you could be entitled to a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.
If they passed away or suffered an injury or illness due to involvement in a conflict post-April 6, 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 assistance towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.
War Disablement Pension
If you sustained an injury or disability while serving in the Armed Forces prior to April 6, 2005, you are eligible for additional support towards your pension. More information about the War Disablement Pension can be found on the GOV.UK website.
