DWP names seven benefits pensioners can get but there’s one you won’t get

Across Great Britain, some 13 million individuals have now reached the State Pension age, including over 1.1 million people in Scotland. 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.

However, when you reach State Pension age, you can no longer claim or make new claims for working-age benefits like Universal Credit (UC) unless you are a mixed-age couple where one person is still under State Pension age.

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.

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Likewise, people 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 assembled 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 – you can find out more about these here.

If you know of any older 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 individuals over State Pension age

There are several benefits and discounts available upon retirement, including:

Help with heating costs – eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit

Health benefits – Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment

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 people 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.

State Pension weekly payment rates for 2025/26

Full New State Pension: £230.25)

Full Basic State Pension (Category A or B): £176.45)

Pension Credit

Currently, Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs for 1.4 million people across the UK – including over 125,000 in Scotland – who 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, 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.

Help with council tax

Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, you could 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 – find out more here.

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 be eligible.

Find out more from Home Energy Scotland here or by ringing 0808 808 2282.

Health Benefits

All residents in Scotland are entitled to free prescriptions. Find out more about free dental treatment and refunds for travel to hospital appointments here.

Disability and care benefits

There are several benefits available to individuals 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

Adult Disability Payment – replacing PIP for people living in Scotland

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

Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) – a new benefit replacing Attendance Allowance in Scotland and available to claim now in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland. Find out more here.

Travel concessions

If you’re over 60 or disabled, find out about travel concessions on the Transport Scotland website here.

Free passport

If you were born on or before 2 September 1929, and are a British national, you might be eligible for a free passport. More information and how to apply can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Free/discounted TV licence

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

The MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide can provide further details on eligibility.

Benefits for war widows and widowers

If your spouse or civil partner died, were injured or became ill due to their service in Her Majesty’s (HM) Armed Forces, or during a time of war prior to 6 April 2005, you could 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 6 April 2005, you might be eligible for compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

More information about War widows and widowers’ pensions and compensation can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Medical costs for war pensioners

If you require medical treatment because you were disabled while serving in the Armed Forces, you could receive help towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.

War Disablement Pension

If you sustained an injury or disability whilst serving in the Armed Forces prior to 6 April 2005, you may be eligible for additional pension support. More information about the War Disablement Pension can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Age Scotland also provides a comprehensive list of benefits, discounts and support that older individuals may be entitled to claim. Further details can be found on their website.