What benefits can I claim at 60 in the UK?
Turning 60 does not, by itself, start Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance or Winter Fuel Payment. Those are gated on State Pension age, which is currently 66 for people reaching that age now. A lot of commercial pages still say “benefits at 60” as if the old female State Pension age applied. It does not.
At 60 you may still get working-age payments: Universal Credit, PIP or Adult Disability Payment, Carer’s Allowance or Carer Support Payment, and Council Tax Reduction. When you reach State Pension age the mix changes — often toward Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment.
Benefits this usually points to
Universal Credit
A monthly payment to help with living costs if you are on a low income, out of work, or cannot work. It can include amounts for housing, children, disability, and caring.
Personal Independence Payment
A benefit to help with extra costs if you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and you have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around.
Adult Disability Payment
A Scottish benefit that replaced Personal Independence Payment for most adults living in Scotland. It helps with extra costs of disability or a long-term health condition.
Carer's Allowance
A payment if you spend a lot of time caring for someone who gets certain disability benefits. Scotland has Carer Support Payment instead for most new claims.
Pension Credit
An income-related benefit for people who have reached State Pension age and have a low income. It can also help with housing costs, council tax and other support.
Attendance Allowance
A benefit for people of State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of a disability or health condition. It is not means-tested.
Winter Fuel Payment
A yearly tax-free payment to help older people with heating costs. Eligibility has changed in recent years, so always check the current GOV.UK rules before assuming you will get it.
Check what may apply in your circumstances
It usually takes about 5 minutes. You do not need to create an account. This is guidance, not a government decision.
Why the “at 60” pages are often wrong
State Pension age used to be 60 for many women. It is not 60 now. Benefit Badger treats State Pension age as 66 unless that figure is updated from official sources. If the age changes, the eligibility check follows it rather than a slogan in a title.
If you are 60 and cannot work, look at Universal Credit and New Style ESA, not Pension Credit. If you need extra cost help for a disability, look at PIP or Adult Disability Payment, not Attendance Allowance, until you reach State Pension age.
Other circumstances
- What benefits can I claim if I have a disability?
- What benefits can I claim as a carer?
- What benefits can I claim over State Pension age?
- What benefits can I claim on a low income?
- What benefits can I claim if I am unemployed?
- What benefits can I claim as a single parent?
- What benefits can I claim if I am pregnant?
- What benefits can I claim if I rent?
This is independent guidance. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility. How we source and verify.