What benefits can I claim if I have reached State Pension age?

Most pension-age benefits start at State Pension age, which is currently 66 for people reaching that age now, not at 60. Pension Credit is the income top-up. Attendance Allowance (or Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland) is the extra-cost disability payment if you need care or supervision. Housing Benefit still exists for many people over State Pension age even though working-age renters usually claim Universal Credit.

Winter Fuel Payment rules have changed in recent years. Some winters it has been automatic only if you get Pension Credit. Always read the current GOV.UK page for this winter rather than last year’s headline.

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.
Cold Weather Payment
A payment when the temperature in your postcode area is, or is forecast to be, at or below a set threshold for 7 days in a row, if you get a qualifying benefit. It is usually paid automatically.
Winter Heating Payment
A Social Security Scotland payment to help with heating costs if you get a qualifying Scottish or UK benefit. It replaced Cold Weather Payment in Scotland and is not the same as Winter Fuel Payment.

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 Pension Credit is worth checking even for a small amount

A small Pension Credit award can open help with council tax or rates, housing costs, and some energy discounts. Use the GOV.UK Pension Credit calculator. Mixed-age couples (one over State Pension age, one under) follow different rules and may need Universal Credit instead.

If you have a disability

New PIP claims are for people under State Pension age. Over that age, look at Attendance Allowance or, in Scotland, Pension Age Disability Payment. Existing PIP can sometimes continue — that is a DWP or Social Security Scotland rule, not something this page can decide.

Other circumstances

This is independent guidance. Only the relevant government department can confirm eligibility. How we source and verify.

Start the free eligibility check