Across Great Britain, approximately 13 million individuals have now reached the State Pension age. The contributory benefit serves as the main source of income for many retirees, offering vital financial support of up to £921 every four weeks for 4.1 million recipients of the New State Pension.

In addition, around 8.8 million retirees receive up to £705.80 each pay period through the Basic State Pension. For those approaching the official retirement age, it’s 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 be aware that there are over a dozen ways they could potentially boost their current income in the upcoming months. Most of these are benefits that do not affect State Pension payments.

Pension Credit, currently worth an average of £4,300 annually, takes about 50 working days to process. This means successful applicants could expect their first payments to arrive before mid-July.

To simplify the understanding and claiming of these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a comprehensive list along with quick eligibility checks. This ensures older individuals can access essential support in their later years, reports the Daily Record.

The simplest method to determine eligibility for any benefit, discount or reduction is to utilise an online benefits calculator – more information about these can be found here. If you have elderly relatives or friends who are not internet-savvy or lack web access, assist them to ensure they don’t miss out on additional financial support in 2025.

Benefits for individuals over State Pension age

There are several benefits and discounts available upon retirement, including:

• State Pension
• Help with heating costs – eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit
• Help with Council Tax
• Health benefits – Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment
• Pension Credit
• Travel and TV benefits
• Benefits for war widows and widowers

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 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’.

State Pension weekly payment rates for 2025/26

Pension Credit

Currently, Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs for 1.4 million people across the UK – including over 125,000 in Scotland – who are over State Pension age and on a low income. It is a ‘passport’ benefit providing on average around £4,300 each year in financial support, acting as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax discounts, help with housing costs and NHS discounts along with free TV Licences for those aged over 75.

Try the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK for yourself or a family member to ensure you’re receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to. You can also reach out to the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.

Council Tax Assistance

Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, you might be eligible for assistance from your local authority to help cover your Council Tax. Contact your local council to inquire about Council Tax support

Insulation and Heating Schemes

There are several schemes available that provide 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

Several benefits are available to individuals with 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

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 here.

Free / Discounted TV Licence

TV licences are no longer free unless you receive Pension Credit. Individuals over the State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may be eligible for a half-price TV Licence.

To determine your eligibility, refer to the MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide here.

Benefits for war widows and widowers

If your spouse or civil partner passed away, was injured or fell ill due to their service in Her Majesty’s (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 died or suffered an injury or illness due to participation in a conflict after 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 here.

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.

If you sustained an injury or disability during your service 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 website here.