Across Great Britain, approximately 13 million people have now reached State Pension age. For many retirees, this contributory benefit is their primary income source, offering up to £921 every four weeks with the New State Pension and up to £705.80 per pay period through the Basic State Pension.
However, you might be surprised to learn that there are over a dozen ways to potentially boost this income in the coming months. All these include various benefits, discounts, and reductions.
The MoneyHelper website has created a detailed list of financial benefits and quick eligibility checks to help older adults easily access essential support later in life.
The simplest way to determine eligibility for any benefit, discount, or reduction is to use an online benefits calculator. Find out more about these options here.
Benefits for people over State Pension age
According to the Daily Record, retirement offers several benefits and discounts, such as:
- Help with Council Tax
- Benefits for war widows and widowers
- State Pension
- Health benefits – Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment
- Help with heating costs – eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit
- Pension Credit
- Travel and TV benefits
State Pension
The State Pension provides a reliable taxable income for life once you reach the State Pension age and begin claiming it. Some people opt to defer it while continuing to work.
Although it is not means-tested, the pension amount depends on the number of qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits. A minimum of 10 years is needed to receive any State Pension, with around 35 years typically required for the maximum benefit—this figure may be higher for those who were ‘contracted out’.
State Pension weekly payment rates 2025/26
Pension Credit
Pension Credit currently benefits 1.4 million people across the UK by providing extra financial assistance to those over the State Pension age with low incomes. It acts as a ‘passport’ benefit, offering approximately £4,300 on average each year. This support includes Council Tax discounts, assistance with housing costs, NHS discounts, and free TV Licences for individuals over 75.
Use the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK yourself or for a family member to verify you are receiving all the financial support you’re eligible for. Alternatively, contact the Pension Credit helpline at 0800 99 1234.
Disability and care benefits
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – you will need to have already been 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
Benefits for war widows and widowers
Benefits are available for war widows and widowers. If your spouse or civil partner died, was injured, or became ill because of their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces, or during a war before 6 April 2005, you might be eligible for a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension.
If someone died, was injured, or fell ill while serving in a conflict after April 6, 2005, they might qualify for compensation under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. More details about pensions and compensation for war widows and widowers can be found on the GOV.UK website.
Free / Discounted TV Licence
TV Licences are now free only if you receive Pension Credit. People over the State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind might qualify for a half-price TV Licence.
Free passport
If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and hold British citizenship, you may be eligible for a free passport. More details and application instructions are available on the GOV.UK website.
Help with Council Tax
Support for Council Tax is accessible whether you own or rent, and you may be eligible for help from your local authority. Contact your local council to inquire about assistance with Council Tax.
Insulation and heating schemes
Insulation and heating schemes are available that improve your home’s energy efficiency. If your home has poor insulation or lacks functioning central heating, and you receive income-related benefits like Pension Credit, you might be eligible.
War Disablement Pension
If you experienced an injury or disability while serving in the Armed Forces before April 6, 2005, you might qualify for extra pension support. You can find more details about the War Disablement Pension on GOV.UK.
Medical costs for war pensioners
War pensioners’ medical expenses are also covered. If your military service-caused disability requires medical care, you can get help with accepted disability-related medical costs.
