Reaching State Pension age opens the door for more financial support (Image: Getty Images)
A number of benefits and payments become accessible upon reaching the age, which is currently 66 for men and women. The Basic is received by approximately 8.8 million retirees, providing up to £678 each pay period.
It’s vital for those approaching retirement age to be aware of certain benefits they can claim from the , including Council Tax discounts, assistance with heating costs, and more. Similarly, current recipients may not realise there are over a dozen ways they could potentially boost their income in the coming months.
Pension Credit, now worth an average of £4,200 annually, typically takes about 50 working days to process. This means successful applicants could receive their first payments before March ends.
If you know an elderly relative or friend who isn’t internet-savvy, assist them to ensure they don’t miss out on additional financial support in 2025, as reported by the
Benefits for those over the State Pension age
Benefits for those over the age include 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, , and health benefits such as and Pension Age Disability Payment.
State Pension
The offers a regular taxable income for life once claimed upon reaching age. Some individuals choose to defer this while they continue to work.
The isn’t means-tested, but the amount received is dependent on the number of qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits accrued. A minimum of 10 years’ worth is required for any payment and approximately 35 for the maximum amount – this could be higher for individuals who were ‘contracted out’.
The weekly payment rates for the in 2024/35 are as follows: Full New : £221.20 (rising to £230.25), Full Basic (Category A or B): £169.50 (rising to £176.45).
Pension Credit
Pension Credit currently benefits 1.4 million people across the UK. It provides additional funds to assist with living costs for those over age and on a low income.
Acting as a ‘passport’ benefit, it offers an average of around £4,200 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. You can use the Pension Credit Calculator on for yourself or a family member to ensure you’re receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to. For further assistance, you can contact 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. You may be eligible for support from your local authority.
To inquire about assistance with Council Tax, contact your local council.
Insulation and heating schemes
Insulation and heating schemes are available that provide insulation and heating enhancements to make your home more energy efficient. If your home is inadequately insulated or lacks a functioning central heating system, and if you’re receiving any income-related benefits including Pension Credit, you’re likely to qualify.
Disability and care benefits
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – you will need to have been already claiming this before you reached age
- Adult Disability Payment – replacing PIP for people living in Scotland
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – if you’re under age, if you reached age while claiming PIP this will continue
- – if you’re over 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 may be eligible for a free passport. More details and application process can be found on the
Free / Discounted TV Licence
Regarding TV Licences, they are no longer free unless you receive Pension Credit. Those over age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind might qualify for a half-price TV Licence.
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 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
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.
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