What benefits can I claim at 66 — State Pension age?
If you have reached State Pension age — currently 66 for people getting there now — Pension Credit becomes the main income top-up. Attendance Allowance or Pension Age Disability Payment becomes the usual extra-cost disability claim if you need care or supervision. Many people can claim Housing Benefit where working-age renters would have to use Universal Credit.
Claiming Pension Credit even for a small amount can unlock other help. Check Winter Fuel Payment rules for the current winter; they have changed and may depend on Pension Credit.
Benefits this usually points to
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.
Pension Age Disability Payment
A Social Security Scotland payment for people of State Pension age who need help with personal care because of a disability or health condition. It replaced Attendance Allowance for people living in Scotland.
Housing Benefit
Help towards rent if you are on a low income. Most working-age people now claim housing costs through Universal Credit instead. Housing Benefit still applies in some situations, including many people of State Pension age.
Council Tax Reduction
Help from your local council if you are on a low income and need to pay council tax. Each council runs its own scheme, so the rules and amounts vary.
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.
Warm Home Discount
A one-off discount on your electricity bill if you get Pension Credit or meet your supplier's low-income criteria. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different schemes.
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.
PIP after State Pension age
You cannot usually start a new PIP claim after State Pension age. If you already get PIP it may continue. New extra-cost claims in later life are Attendance Allowance or, in Scotland, Pension Age Disability Payment. Confirm with the official page rather than stopping a payment on the basis of a blog.
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.