There are 13 million people over the state pension age of 66 – but only 1.7 million receive the full new state pension of £230.25 per week. That leaves potentially millions unaware of the extra support, benefits and discounts available to them during their golden years.
The official MoneyHelper website has compiled a list of the bonuses that could top-up your retirement, without affecting state pension payments according to the Daily Record. And double-checking your state pension is a good thing to do as well.
Recent errors have seen people short-changed by thousands of their state pensions, so it’s best to check your National Insurance record and ensure there’s no unexpected gaps or issues. You need a full 35 years of contributions to get the £230.25 per week and at least 10 to receive any of the new state pension at all.
If you aren’t on the full amount of state pension, you could be eligible for Pension Credit. This income top-up can add £4,300 each year while also opening the doors to a range of other benefits and discounts such as a free TV licence for those over 75.
Gov.uk provides a Pension Credit calculator which can help shed light on if you’re eligible for this support. That credit is currently one of the most underclaimed benefits with eligible people missing out on around £1.5billion each year.
A range of health benefits also help to cover the additional costs of illnesses and disabilities, some of which are exclusively for people over the state pension age. You may be able to receive PIP or DLA if you had already claimed the benefit before hitting the state pension age.
People over the age of 66 may be eligible for Attendance Allowance instead which can between £73.90 and £110.40 per week. That depends on how much help or supervision you need.
Outside of the benefits system, there’s a variety of discounts available for people over state pension age. This can include help with council tax, regardless of whether you rent or own your home.
You may receive a bigger council tax reduction if you receive a disability or carer’s benefit or the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit. The latter may even cover your council tax bill entirely.
One other discount for those over state pension age is a free passport. Specifically, you must have been born on or before September 2, 1929, and be a British national to be eligible.
Finally, there are a range of travel concessions and schemes available to those over the age of 60. This includes the 60+ London Oyster photocard, the Freedom Pass, Senior Railcards and free bus passes.
