DWP benefits and payments only people over State Pension age can claim

There are currently almost 13 million people in the UK have reached State Pension age, many of whom rely on the contributory benefit as their primary income source. The 2.9 million people who get the New State Pension receive financial support of up to £884.80 every four weeks.

Approximately 9.7 million retirees are getting up to £678 every pay period through the Basic State Pension. It's crucial for those nearing retirement age to be aware of certain benefits they can claim from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), as well as Council Tax discounts, heating cost assistance, and more.

Similarly, those already receiving State Pension payments may not know of more than a dozen ways they could increase their current income in the coming months. Pension Credit, worth an average of £3,900, currently takes about 50 working days to process, meaning successful claimants could receive their first payments before the end of October - claims made before December 21 will also qualify for a backdated Winter Fuel Payment.

To simplify understanding and claiming these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a comprehensive list 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.

If you have 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 this year. Benefits for those over State Pension age and discounts available in retirement include...

State Pension

State Pension provides a regular taxable income for the rest of your life once you reach State Pension age and claim it, reports the Daily Record.

Some choose to defer this while continuing to work. It's not means-tested, but the amount received depends on the number of qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits accumulated.

At least 10 years are needed for any State Pension payment and around 35 for the maximum amount - this may be more for people who were 'contracted out', find out more here.

State Pension weekly payment rates 2024/35

• Full New State Pension: £221.20
• Full Basic State Pension (Category A or B): £169.50

Pension Credit

Pension Credit currently benefits 1.4m people across the UK - including over 125,000 in Scotland - by providing 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 more than £3,900 each 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 the over-75s.

You can use the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV. UK to ensure you or a family member are receiving all the financial support you're entitled to.

Help with council tax

The Pension Credit helpline is also available at 0800 99 1234. For help with Council Tax, whether you own your home or rent, you could be eligible for support from your local authority.

Contact your local council for more information. .

Insulation and heating help

Insulation and heating schemes are available during the summer months to prepare your home for winter. These schemes install insulation and heating improvements to make your home more energy efficient.

Eligibility usually depends on if your home is poorly insulated or lacks a working central heating system, and if you receive any income-related benefits including Pension Credit.

Disability and care benefits

There are several benefits available to individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions or specific care needs:

• 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 or Dla

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.

Free / Discounted TV Licence

You now have to pay for your TV licence unless you are receiving 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.

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 spouse or civil partner died, was 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. This is known as the War Disablement Pension.

If you sustained an injury or disability during your service in the Armed Forces prior to April 6, 2005, you are eligible for additional pension support. Find out more about War Disablement Pension on the GOV.UK website here