The government provides a range of financial support and discounts for people over State Pension age – here’s a full list of what you could be entitled to
Across the UK, approximately 13 million people have now reached State Pension age. This contributory benefit acts as the main income source for many pensioners, offering crucial financial support of up to £921 every four weeks for 4.1m people on the New State Pension.
A total of 8.8m retirees are receiving up to £705.80 each pay period through the Basic State Pension. For those approaching the official retirement age, it’s important to be aware of certain benefits you can claim from the DWP, as well as Council Tax discounts, help with heating costs and more.
Similarly, those already receiving State Pension payments may not be aware of over a dozen ways they could potentially boost their current income in the upcoming months. Pension Credit is currently worth an average of £4,300 annually and typically takes around 50 working days to process, meaning successful applicants could see their first payments before the end of June.
To make understanding and claiming these benefits, discounts or reductions easier, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a comprehensive list along with quick eligibility checks to ensure older people are accessing vital support in later life, according to 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. Retirement comes with a range of benefits and discounts, including:
State Pension
The State Pension provides a regular taxable income for life once you reach the State Pension age and claim it. Some 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.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit benefits 1.4 million people across the UK by providing additional funds to help with living costs for those over the 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 serving as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax discounts, housing cost assistance, NHS discounts, and free TV Licences for those over 75.
The Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK can help ensure you or a family member are receiving all the financial support you’re entitled to. For further help, the Pension Credit helpline can be reached at 0800 99 1234.
Council tax
Council tax support is accessible whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant. You might be eligible for assistance from your local council to cover your Council tax.
Benefits for war widows and widowers
If your husband, wife or civil partner died or were injured or became ill as a result of their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces, or during a time of war before April 6, 2005, you might 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 April 6, 2005, you might be entitled to compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.
Find out more about War widows and widowers’ pensions and compensation on the GOV.UK website here.
Medical costs for war pensioners
If you need medical treatment because you were disabled while serving in the Armed Forces, you could get help towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.
Disability and care benefits
For those with disabilities, long-term health conditions or specific care needs, there are a number of benefits available:
- 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
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.