The best benefits for pensioners and the over 60s

If you’re around or above retirement age, there are a number of benefits for pensioners you could be entitled to.

In addition to your state pension, which is based on your national Insurance contributions, you could be entitled to extra money to help with your heating in winter, free transport passes and other handy perks.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best benefits for over 60s.

What are state pension benefits?

In the UK, both men and women are eligible to begin claiming their state pension at the age of 66, but this will rise to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

The amount you’re entitled to depends on how many qualifying years of NI contributions you’ve accrued.

To claim the full amount of the new state pension (£241.30 a week from April 2026), you will need 35 years of contributions.

If you have less than 10 years, you won’t get any state pension, but if you have between 10 and 35 years, you’ll get a proportional payment.

You’ll pay national insurance when you work (either through employment or self-employment).

Alternatively, if you have spent time out of work and claimed certain benefits (such as child benefit or job seekers allowance) you should have received national insurance credits instead.

You can find out if you have any gaps in your national insurance record when you request a state pension forecast online.

If you do have missing years, it may make sense to purchase voluntary national insurance contributions to plug the gap.

The state pension increases each year in line with the triple lock. This guarantees that it will go up by the greatest of: 

• Wage growth

• Inflation or

• 2.5%

Pensioners that reached state pension age before 6 April 2016, will get the basic state pension.

From April 2026 this will pay £184.90 a week but this may be boosted by payments from the additional state pension.

Extra benefits if you’re on a low income

Pension credit

If you’re on a low income in retirement, you may also be able to claim pension credit.

This tops up your weekly income to £227.10, or £346.60 combined if you have a partner or spouse, and have less than £10,000 in savings or investments.

You can claim if you’re over state pension age and under the threshold, regardless of whether your income comes from state pension, private pensions, or employment.

Over 80 pension

You may also be eligible to claim an ‘over 80’ pension if you’re aged 80 or over. For the 2025 to 2026 tax year, this pension provides up to £105.70 per week. If you already get some basic state pension, it could top up your weekly amount to £105.70.

It can be pretty complex trying to work out what you’re entitled to, so it’s best to check out the UK government website for more information. You may also be able to get some guidance from a specialist charity such as Turn 2 Us.

Alternatively, you could speak to a financial adviser about your unique circumstances.

Who is entitled to a free eye test and dental care?

There are lots of free or discounted services you can take advantage of as an older adult.

In the UK, everyone over the age of 60 gets free prescriptions and NHS eye tests.

Advancing age, unfortunately, does not automatically mean you’re entitled to free dental care. However, if you are on a low income or claiming certain benefits you may be entitled to free treatment.

The exact rules, however, do vary according to where in the UK you live. In Wales, for example, you’ll get free check ups from age 60, but not treatment.

Check ups are free for everyone in Scotland, regardless of age, but, again, treatment must be paid for. In England you’ll need to pay for check ups and treatment, whatever your age.

Who qualifies for a free TV licence?

While all over-75s used to be entitled to a free TV licence, the rules changed in 2020.

Now, you can only get a free TV licence if you are over 75 and you or your partner living at the same address claim pension credit.

You don't need a TV licence if you never watch live TV on any channel, TV service or streaming service.

If you have a severe sight impairment, which means you’re registered blind, you can get a 50% discount regardless of your age.

And if your TV is black and white (which is rare these days), you’ll pay 

£58.50 instead of the normal £174.50 for a year’s TV licence.

If you live in sheltered housing or a care home, you can get a TV licence for £7.50 but it needs to be arranged by your accommodation.

Do pensioners get discounts on public transport?

If you’re over state pension age in England, or over 60 in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can apply for a free bus pass.

In most parts of England, you can travel for free on buses from the state pension age. You can also travel for free on some ferries and trains in Wales and Scotland once you reach the age of 60.

There are exceptions to this rule, such as London’s 60+ Oyster photocard that allows you to travel for free on buses, tubes, trams and the Overground from age 60 within the capital.

If you’re not sure, check with your local council.

Can pensioners get help with heating their homes?

There are a number of benefits designed to help you stay warm through the winter, including:

Winter Fuel Payment

All pensioners are entitled to a winter fuel payment which pays between £100 and £300 a year to help you pay for heating bills (although there are no restrictions on how you actually spend the cash).

However, if your income is above £35,00 a year it will be clawed back by HMRC.

Cold Weather Payment

If the temperature is forecast or recorded to be 0 degrees (or below) for seven consecutive days between 1 November and 31 March, you’ll get an extra £25 payment automatically deposited in your bank account if you claim pension credit or certain other benefits.

Warm Homes Discount Scheme

You may be entitled to a £150 deduction from your winter electricity bill.

It should have been automatically deducted from your bill if you claim pension credit (or certain other means-tested benefits) and are with a supplier who has signed up to the government’s scheme.

If you’re not sure about your eligibility, or you’re on a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go meter, you should get in touch with your supplier.

If you live in Scotland you may need to apply for the scheme.

Insulation and heating schemes

A number of companies have signed up to schemes that allow you to claim free insulation and heating improvements, such as a new boiler, to make sure your home is energy efficient.

If you claim means-tested benefits like pension credit, or don’t have a working central heating system, you’re likely to be eligible regardless of your age.

What are the benefits for the disabled and their carers?

There are a number of ways to access financial support to help with disabilities, whether you’re disabled or you live with someone who has additional needs.

Many of these benefits aren’t age-specific, so you may be able to claim them even if you’re under state pension age.

Here are some of the most commonly claimed care-related benefits:

Attendance allowance

If you’re above state pension age and need someone’s help to look after yourself, you can claim attendance allowance.

There are two rates, which are determined by the level of care you need, so you could receive either £73.90 or £110.40 per week if you have a physical or mental disability (or both). These rates will rise to £76.70 and £114.60 respectively, from April 2026.

You don’t have to have a carer in order to claim, though anyone who spends more than 35 hours per week looking after you could claim carer’s allowance too.

Attendance allowance could also increase your eligibility for other benefits.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

To help cover extra costs associated with living independently with a disability, you could get up to £187.45 per week, rising to £194.60 from April 2026.(although you can no longer apply for DLA).

Existing DLA claimants are being transferred over to personal independence payments (PIP), a similar scheme that was introduced to replace the DLA. If you've had a PIP claim rejected, learn more about the mandatory reconsideration process.

Carer’s Allowance

If you spend a significant amount of time looking after someone else, you could claim carer’s allowance, regardless of your age and whether you live with them.

To meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to:

• Spend at least 35 hours per week caring for someone who claims a disability benefit

• Earn less than £196 per week (though not from benefits like PIP)

What are the benefits for those on a military pension?

There are also specific benefits available for Armed Forces veterans and their spouses.

These include:

• War Widow/Widower’s Pension – available to spouses or civil partners who died during a time of war or as a result of their time in the Armed Forces. You can find out more about claiming by contacting Veterans UK.

• War Disablement Pension – available to those injured or disabled as a result of their time in the Armed forces before 6 April 2005.

• Help with service-related medical costs – whether you’re of retirement age or not, you could receive financial assistance towards the cost of your treatment, if your condition or disability is directly related to your time in the Armed Forces.

If you’re wondering when you can retire, our articles on retirement planning can help you plan for the financial future.

Talk to a qualified financial adviser about managing your money in retirement.

Get expert financial advice

Understanding the benefits available for pensioners and those over 60 can greatly improve your financial wellbeing.

From the state pension and winter fuel payment to free prescriptions and transport discounts, there are many ways to get support.

With the right information and support, you can take full advantage of the benefits designed to assist you in retirement.

Unbiased can quickly match you with a financial adviser for expert financial advice to ensure you’re maximising the benefits available to you.