Some pensioners could be entitled to claim extra payments next month
A piggy bank on a pile of coins(Image: PA)
Millions of people across the UK have now reached the State Pension age. Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. The current State Pension age is 66 for both men and women. It may be different to the age you can get a workplace or personal pension.
The contributory benefit serves as the main source of income for many retirees. However, there are many other perks that can help people who are over State Pension age, and those who are 60. According to Money Helper, many pensioners are failing to claim the benefits they’re entitled to.
This comes as households across the UK brace for a wave of price increases that will significantly impact household budgets. Households across the UK will face higher bills from April as several money changes are implemented across different sectors.
Although April is mostly about the end of the tax year, it is also a time when providers typically increase bills. Some of the changes households will face next month will impact the TV licence fee, passport fees, price of stamps, and mobile and broadband costs. Pensions and benefits are increasing.
Bus passes
You can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age, which is currently 66 for both women and men. Some areas may offer travel concessions for people who are over 60. You should check with your local council to see what help is available.
If you live in Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens or Wirral you can apply for a Merseytravel over 60s travel pass. This pass gives you free travel on local buses and trains across Merseyside, and also covers cross-river commuter trips on Mersey Ferries.
The English National Concessionary Travel Scheme offers free off-peak bus journeys to those with qualifying disabilities and individuals who have reached state pension age (as per the Pension Act 2014), operating between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and all day during weekends and Bank Holidays.
Free TV Licence
The annual cost of a TV licence will rise from £174.50 to £180 from April 1, but millions of people across the UK could be entitled to get one for free. The TV licence fee pays for BBC shows and services, and its cost increase is in line with inflation every year until 2027, following an agreement made back in 2022.
You are entitled to a free TV licence if you are aged 75 or older or you, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit. If you qualify, the licence covers everyone living at the address. People eligible can apply for a TV licence when they are 74, with the free licence starting at age 75.
Free NHS eye tests
Once you are over the age of 60 you are entitled to a free eye examination through the NHS, usually every two years. If you’re on certain qualifying benefits, you’ll get a voucher towards the cost of your glasses.
If not, you might still be eligible for help based on income by completing and sending off a HC1 form which you can get from any post office or your opticians. You should do this before arranging an eye test.
Winter Fuel Payment
If you were born before June 28, 1960 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2026 to 2027. Most people get the Winter Fuel Payment automatically if they’re eligible.
If you’re eligible, you’ll receive a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2026.
If you or your partner are over State Pension age, you could receive £200 towards your bills. If you or your partner are over 80, you could receive £300.
Council Tax Reduction
All local councils use the same Council Tax Reduction scheme for people over State Pension, but the scheme for people below State Pension age can vary between councils. Contact your local council to find out which scheme they use.
How much you receive may depend on whether you or your partner receive certain benefits. If you’re part of a couple and only one of you has reached State Pension age, the person who has reached State Pension age should apply for CTR if you want your application to be assessed under the pension-age rules.
Warm Home Discount scheme
The Warm Home Discount Scheme is a one-off £150 discount off your electricity bill. If you’re eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. The money is not paid to you.
There are different ways to qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme depending on where you live. You qualify if you either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or are on a low income and have high energy costs.
If you are eligible, your electricity supplier will apply the discount to your bill. If you do not get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, you may still be eligible if you’re on low income.