The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) reports 13.2 million people of State Pension age across Great Britain, with over 1.1 million in Scotland. Many rely on the State Pension as their main income, receiving up to £965 every four weeks under the New State Pension for 4.1 million people, while 8.8 million pre-2016 retirees get up to £739 per payment period under the Basic State Pension.
Pension Credit and other financial support
Pension Credit, worth on average £4,300 a year, currently takes about 50 working days to process, meaning successful claimants this month could receive their first payment before the end of August. The MoneyHelper website has compiled a list of benefits, discounts, and reductions along with quick eligibility checks to help older people access essential support.
Using an online benefits calculator is the easiest way to check eligibility. If you have older family members or friends without internet access, help them ensure they are not missing out on additional financial support in 2026.
Benefits and discounts available
Benefits and discounts for those over State Pension age include: State Pension, Pension Credit, help with Council Tax, help with heating costs, health benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment, travel and TV benefits, and benefits for war widows and widowers.
The State Pension provides a regular taxable income for life once you reach State Pension age and claim it. It is not means-tested, but the amount depends on qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions. You need at least 10 years for any payment and around 35 for the maximum amount.
New State Pension payment rates: weekly £241.30, four-weekly £965.20, annual £12,547. Full Basic State Pension: weekly £184.90, four-weekly £739.60, annual £9,614.
Pension Credit as a passport benefit
Pension Credit currently supports 1.4 million people across the UK, including over 125,000 in Scotland. It acts as a passport benefit, providing on average £4,300 this year and granting access to Council Tax discounts, help with housing costs, NHS discounts, and free TV Licences for the over-75s. Check eligibility using the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK or call the helpline at 0800 99 1234.
Help with Council Tax and heating
Whether you own or rent, you may be eligible for Council Tax support from your local authority. There are also schemes to install insulation and heating improvements, likely if your home is poorly insulated or lacks a working central heating system and you receive income-related benefits including Pension Credit. Contact Home Energy Scotland at 0808 808 2282 for more information.
Health and disability benefits
Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free prescriptions. Free dental treatment and refunds for travel to hospital appointments are also available. Disability and care benefits include Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those under State Pension age, Adult Disability Payment in Scotland, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) if claimed before State Pension age, Attendance Allowance for those over State Pension age, and Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) in Scotland.
Travel, passport, and TV licence concessions
If you are over 60 or disabled, travel concessions are available through Transport Scotland. Those born on or before September 2, 1929, and British nationals may qualify for a free passport. A TV licence is free only if you receive Pension Credit; people over State Pension age may get half price if registered as severely sight-impaired or blind.
Benefits for war widows and widowers
If your spouse or civil partner died or was injured due to service in HM Armed Forces before April 6, 2005, you might be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension. For service after that date, compensation may be available through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Medical costs for war pensioners and War Disablement Pension are also available for those disabled while serving before April 6, 2005. Age Scotland provides a full list of benefits and support for older people.
