From advice service MoneyHelper
If you’re around or above retirement age, there are a number of benefits you might be able to claim.
On top of your State Pension, which is based on your National Insurance contributions, you might be entitled to extra money to help with your heating in winter, free transport passes and other benefits.
State Pension
The State Pension gives you a regular taxable income for the rest of your life – as soon as you reach State Pension age. It’s not means-tested, but the amount you get depends on how many qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or credits you’ve built up.
If you’ve lost touch with a personal pension provider, they won’t know how to pay you when you retire. Here’s how to trace all your pensions so you don’t miss out on vital retirement income, and it is absolutely free to do.
Read more on the MoneyHelper site
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is for people who are on a low income. It’s designed to top up a pensioner’s income to a guaranteed minimum level. Many people entitled to Pension Credit don’t claim it. So make sure you find out whether you qualify – and don’t miss out if you do.
Read more on the MoneyHelper site
Help with Council Tax
Whether you own your home or rent, you could qualify for support from your local authority to help you pay your Council Tax. Contact your local council to ask about support with Council Tax.
Winter Fuel Payment 2025
The Government has announced changes to who can get the Winter Fuel Payment. It will no longer be restricted to those who get Pension Credit.
Instead, starting from this winter, everyone over State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of £35,000 or below will get the payment, worth up to £300 per household.
Read more on the Government's site
Cold Weather Payment
These £25 payments are made when your local temperature is either recorded as, or forecast to be, an average of zero degrees Celsius, or below, over seven consecutive days between 1st November and 31st March each year. If you qualify for any of a range of other income-related benefits, including Pension Credit, you’ll qualify for Cold Weather Payments. There’s no need to apply for it. If you qualify, it will be paid automatically.
Warm Home Discount scheme
In England, Scotland and Wales, certain people on a low income and getting means-tested benefits can get a £150 discount on their winter electricity bill – called the Warm Home Discount. Your supplier should give you the discount automatically between October and March if you receive pension credit or other eligible benefits. If you were expecting a discount but haven’t received one, get in touch with your supplier.
Find out more on the Government's site
MoneyHelper is a Government backed body offering free, independent, and impartial money and pensions guidance.
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