Pensioners across the United Kingdom may be entitled to more financial help beyond their monthly State Pension. Many might not be aware they could qualify for additional benefits, concessions, and payments. Latest statistics from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) show that 13.2 million people across Great Britain are currently receiving State Pension payments worth up to £241.30 weekly. Both Basic and New State Pensions are contributory benefits offering essential financial support to those who have paid in at least 10 years of National Insurance Contributions.
However, according to the Daily Record, just 4.1 million of this total are receiving the full New State Pension amount (applicable to those who retired after April 2016). Approximately 8.8 million older people are on the Basic State Pension (retired before 2016) and receiving payments worth up to £184.90 each week, although this might be topped up by Additional State Pension payments for men born before 1951 and women before April 1953.
How to Boost Your Income in Retirement
Many pensioners could be missing out on a dozen ways to boost their current income. This includes accessing age-related benefits managed by the DWP or Social Security Scotland, obtaining discounts on annual Council Tax bills, and claiming extra support with winter heating costs. To make things easier for individuals looking to understand and claim these benefits, discounts or reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled a comprehensive list with straightforward eligibility checks to ensure pensioners are getting essential support in their retirement.
It is also important to note that specialist charities for elderly people such as Independent Age and Age UK offer free, confidential and impartial advice on obtaining extra financial help. If you know an elderly family member or friend who does not have internet access, or is not comfortable using a computer, give them assistance to make sure they are not missing out on additional financial support.
The easiest way to check eligibility for any benefit, discount or reduction is to use an online benefits calculator - find out more about these on the Age UK website.
Benefits for People over State Pension Age
Benefits and discounts available in retirement include: State Pension, Pension Credit, Help with Council Tax, Help with heating costs (eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit), Health benefits (Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment), Travel and TV benefits, and Benefits for war widows and widowers.
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 and make a claim for it. Some people choose to defer this while they continue to work. It is not means-tested, but the amount you get depends on how many qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits you have built up. You need at least 10 years for any State Pension payment and around 35 for the maximum amount - this may be more for people who were 'contracted out'.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit currently gives 1.4 million people across the UK extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It is a 'passport' benefit providing on average around £4,300 this year in financial support, acting as a 'gateway' to Council Tax discounts, help with housing costs and NHS discounts along with free TV Licences for the over-75s. Try the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK for yourself or a family member to make sure you are receiving all the financial support you are entitled to. You can also call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.
Help with Council Tax
Whether you own your home or rent, you could be eligible for support from your local authority to help you pay your Council Tax. Contact your local council to ask about support with Council Tax.
Insulation and Heating Schemes
There are a number of schemes that install insulation and heating improvements to make your home more energy efficient. You are likely to be eligible if your home is poorly insulated or does not have a working central heating system, and if you receive any of a range of income-related benefits including Pension Credit.
Disability and Carer Benefits
A number of benefits are available to people who have disabilities, long-term health conditions or specific care needs. These benefits include: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - you can only claim this if you are under State Pension age and if you reached State Pension age while claiming PIP this will continue until the next award review; Adult Disability Payment - this has replaced PIP for people living in Scotland; Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - you will need to have been already claiming this before you reached State Pension age; Attendance Allowance - if you are over State Pension age and have not claimed DLA or PIP; Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) - a new benefit that has replaced Attendance Allowance in Scotland.
Travel Concessions
If you are over 60 or disabled, find out about travel concessions on GOV.UK or the Transport Scotland website.
Free Passport
If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and are a British national, you could be eligible for a free passport. Find out more and how to apply on the GOV.UK website.
Free / Discounted TV Licence
You now have to pay for your TV licence unless you are getting Pension Credit. People over State Pension age may be able to get the TV Licence for half price if they are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind. Check out the MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide to find out if you are eligible.
Benefits for War Widows and Widowers
If your husband, wife or civil partner died or were injured or became ill as a result of their service in Her Majesty's (HM) Armed Forces, or during a time of war before April 6, 2005, you might be entitled to a War Widow's or Widower's Pension. If they died or sustained an injury or illness due to serving in a conflict after April 6, 2005, you might be entitled to compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Find out more about War widows and widowers' pensions and compensation on the GOV.UK website.
Medical Costs for War Pensioners
If you need medical treatment because you were disabled while serving in the Armed Forces, you could get help towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.
War Disablement Pension
If you were injured or disabled while serving in the Armed Forces before April 6, 2005, you can get extra help towards your pension. Find out more about War Disablement Pension on the GOV.UK website.
