The full list of benefits and money-saving discounts people over State Pension age can claim
There are a number of benefits and support available to people over State Pension age – including free prescriptions and help with heating costs
13:40, 12 Nov 2025
There are more than a dozen benefits and discounts available for men and women aged over 66(Image: Getty Images )
Across Britain some 13 million people have now reached the State Pension age. The contributory benefit serves as the primary source of income for many retirees, providing crucial financial support of up to £921 every four weeks for 4.1 million recipients of the new State Pension.
A further 8.8 million pensioners receive up to £705.80 each pay period through the basic State Pension. For those nearing the official retirement age, it’s vital 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 realise there are over a dozen ways they could potentially increase their current income in the coming months.
Pension Credit, currently worth an average of £4,300 annually, takes approximately 50 working days to process, meaning successful claimants could see their first payments arrive before the end of June.
To simplify understanding and claiming these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has put together a comprehensive list, complete with quick eligibility checks to ensure older people are accessing essential 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 any elderly family members or friends who aren’t internet-savvy or don’t have access to a computer, lend them a hand to ensure they’re not missing 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 make a claim. Some individuals 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’.
The State Pension weekly payment rates for 2025/26 are:
- Full new State Pension: £230.25
- Full basic State Pension Category A or B: £176.45
Pension Credit
Currently, Pension Credit provides extra financial assistance 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 acts as a ‘passport’ benefit, offering on average around £4,300 this year in financial support.
It also serves as a ‘gateway’ to council tax discounts, help with housing costs, NHS discounts, and 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 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. Contact your local council to enquire about council tax support.
Insulation and heating schemes
There are several schemes available that install 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 qualify.
Disability and care benefits
A number of benefits are 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 PIP
Free passport
If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and are a British national, you could be eligible for a free passport. Find out more and how to apply on the GOV.UK website.
Free / discounted TV licence
You now have to pay for your TV licence unless you are getting Pension Credit. People over State Pension age may be able to get the TV Licence for half price if they are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind.
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.
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.
War disablement pension
If you were injured or disabled while serving in the armed forces before April 6, 2005, you can get extra help towards your pension. Find out more about War Disablement Pension on the GOV.UK website.
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