DWP benefits and payments you may be able to claim when you reach State Pension Age

Across Great Britain, some 13 million people have now reached State Pension age. The contributory benefit serves as the primary source of income for many retirees, providing essential financial support of up to £921 every four weeks for 4.1 million people receiving the New State Pension.

A total of 8.8 million pensioners are receiving up to £705.80 each pay period through the Basic State Pension. For those nearing 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.

Likewise, those already receiving State Pension payments may not know of more than a dozen ways they could potentially increase their current income in the coming months.

Pension Credit is currently 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 understanding and claiming 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 know of 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.

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

The 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 to work.

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 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 providing on average around £4,300 this 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 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'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, you might be eligible for support from your local council to help with your Council Tax payments. Get in touch with your local council to enquire about Council Tax support - learn more here.

Insulation and Heating Schemes

There are several schemes available that provide insulation and heating upgrades 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 qualify. Find out more by phoning 0808 808 2282.

Health Benefits

Learn more about free dental treatment and refunds for travel to hospital appointments here.

Disability and Care Benefits

There are numerous benefits available to 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

Travel Concessions

If you're over 60 or disabled you could qualify for discounts on travel.

Free Passport

If you were born on or before 2 September 1929, and are a British citizen, you may be eligible for a free passport. More information and application details can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Free / Discounted TV Licence

You are now required to pay for your TV licence unless you receive Pension Credit. People over the State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may be eligible for a half-price TV Licence. Refer to the MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide to determine your eligibility.

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 6 April 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 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 assistance 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 are eligible for additional pension support. More information about the War Disablement Pension can be found on the GOV.UK website here.