All the DWP help only for people over State Pension age – full list | Personal Finance | Finance

Across Great Britain, the State Pension age has been reached by some 13 million people. The contributory benefit serves as a crucial financial lifeline for many retirees, with up to £921 provided every four weeks to 4.1 million recipients of the New State Pension.

Meanwhile, approximately 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 key to be aware of certain benefits claimable from the DWP, alongside council tax discounts, assistance with heating costs, and more.

Likewise, existing State Pension beneficiaries may not realise there are over a dozen ways they could potentially enhance their current income in the coming months.

Pension Credit, currently averaging £4,300 annually, typically takes about 50 working days to process, meaning successful applicants could see their first payments before March ends.

To simplify the understanding and claiming of these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a list along with quick eligibility checks to ensure older people are accessing essential support in later life.

The easiest way to check eligibility for any benefit, discount or reduction is to use an online benefits calculator – find out more about these here, reports the Daily Record.

If you know an elderly relative or friend who isn’t internet-savvy or comfortable using a computer, lend them a hand to ensure they don’t miss out on additional financial support in 2026.

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 life once you reach State Pension age and claim it. 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’. More information can be found here.

New State Pension payment rates 2026/27

Full New State Pension

• Weekly: £241.30 (from £230.25)
• Four-weekly pay period: £965.20
• Annual amount: £12,547

Full Basic State Pension

• Weekly: £184.90 (from £176.45)
• Four-weekly pay period: £739.60
• Annual amount: £9,614

Pension Credit

Currently, Pension Credit provides an additional 1.4 million people across the UK with extra money to help with living costs if they 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 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 assistance from your local council to help cover your Council Tax. Contact your local council to enquire about Council Tax support – find out more here.

Disability and Care Benefits

There are several 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

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 here.

Free / discounted TV Licence

You are now required to pay for your TV licence unless you receive Pension Credit. Brits over State Pension age might qualify for a half-price TV Licence if they are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind.

Check out the MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide here to find out if you’re eligible.

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.

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 here .

Age Scotland also have a full list of benefits, discounts and support older people may be entitled to claim.