What benefits can I claim when I retire in the UK?

According the the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 1.9 million UK pensioners - that’s around one in six - live in poverty, and billions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year, often because retirees don't realise what they're entitled to. [1] From Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Payment to free prescriptions, dental care and bus passes, here's Boring Money's plain-English guide to all 13 benefits you could claim after you retire, and how to check what's yours.

In this article, we list 13 benefits that retired people can potentially claim, explain the eligibility rules around each one and give you some helpful links that can help you find out more or begin your application process. We also highlight relevant schemes and sources of financial support so you don't miss out.

1. What is Pension Credit and who can claim it?

Pension Credit is a benefit that’s available to people over State Pension age who are on a low income. It tops up your weekly income to a certain level and can be used to help pay for housing costs, such as ground rent or service charges. People who receive Pension Credit can also get additional benefits including Housing Benefit, Cost of Living Payments and Support for Mortgage Interest.

To qualify for Pension Credit, you must live in England, Scotland or Wales and have reached State Pension age. If you have a partner, you must include them on your application. Your weekly income must be below £238 if you’re single or £363.25 (jointly) if you have a partner. A successful Pension Credit application will see your weekly income topped up to match this threshold.

If your income is already higher than this, you may still be eligible if you have a disability, you care for someone or you have housing costs. You can read more about Pension Credit and how to apply on the gov.uk website here.

2. Who can get Council Tax Reduction after retirement?

If you’re on a low income or you claim other benefits, you may be eligible to receive a reduction in Council Tax. Depending on your circumstances, you could have your Council Tax bill reduced by a full 100% with the Council Tax Reduction scheme (sometimes called Council Tax Support) - this means, if you meet certain requirements, you might not have to pay any Council Tax at all.

However, the amount taken off your bill depends on a number of factors, including where you live, your income, your UK residency status and if any other individuals are living with you.

You have to apply for Council Tax Reduction through your local council. The gov.uk website has a helpful postcode finder where you can input your postcode and it will take you to the dedicated website for your local council. From there you can read more about their Council Tax Reduction scheme and begin your application if you’re eligible. Click here to get started.

3. Who gets the Winter Fuel Payment?

The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off annual payment from the government to help pensioners cover the cost of heating bills. For the 2026-27 winter, those born on or before 27 June 1960 could get between £100 and £300.

If you’re eligible, you’ll usually get a letter in October or November each year saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people are then paid in either November or December.

If you're not sure if you're eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment, you should check to see if you'll be able to make a claim. Head over to the gov.uk website here to find out more and begin your application.

4. Who can claim the Cold Weather Payment?

Similar to the Winter Fuel Payment, some people in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are already receiving certain benefits may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment scheme. You’ll receive payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as - or forecast to be - zero degrees celsius or below for more than 7 consecutive days.

The amount you receive is £25 for each 7-day period of cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. The scheme typically starts on 1 November and you will be able to check if your area is eligible from this point on. The Cold Weather Payment is not available in Scotland, however, you may still get a £62 annual Winter Heating Payment instead regardless of the weather.

You can read more about the Cold Weather Payment scheme, eligibility and how to claim on the gov.uk website here.

5. Who is eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme?

To be eligible for the Warm Home Discount Scheme in England and Wales, you must either get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or be on a low income and have high energy costs. In Scotland, you must get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit and meet your energy supplier’s criteria to qualify. The Warm Home Discount Scheme is not available in Northern Ireland.

This scheme allows you a one-off £150 credit on your electricity bills, and you may be able to get the discount on your gas bill instead if your supplier provides you with both gas and electricity – it's best to contact your supplier directly to find out if you’re eligible.

You can still qualify for the Warm Home Discount Scheme if you use a pre-pay or pay-as-you-go electricity meter and the discount will not affect your eligibility for Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

To read more about it and find out how to apply, head over to the gov.uk website here.

6. Can pensioners get help with home insulation and heating costs?

You may qualify for support if your home is poorly insulated or doesn’t have a functional central heating system and if you already receive any income-related benefits – including Pension Credit.

To find out more, check out the following websites:

7. Who qualifies for Attendance Allowance?

You could be eligible for Attendance Allowance if you have either physical and/or mental disabilities and are State Pension age or older. This benefit provides you with support if you require someone to help with personal care.

It’s paid at two different rates but how much you receive depends on the level of care that you need. However, do note that the scheme does not cover mobility needs.

If you’re eligible for Attendance Allowance, the amount you get from other benefits may also increase. You don’t need to currently have a carer in order to apply for Attendance Allowance, but if you do, they may also be able to get Carer’s Allowance if you have significant caring needs. For more information about Attendance Allowance, whether or not you’re eligible and how to make a claim, go to the gov.uk website here.

8. Can you get free travel when you retire?

There are many different types of travel benefits for UK retirees, including free bus passes and reduced price train tickets. The rules are slightly different depending on where you live and so is the amount of money you could save.

In Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you generally have to be over 60 to qualify, whereas in England you must be State Pension age or older. The list below provides a summary of the main concessions and some helpful links for more information:

9. Who qualifies for a free TV licence?

If you’re 75 or over and currently receiving Pension Credit, you may be able to get a free TV licence. This also applies if you live with a spouse or civil partner who meets the criteria. People who are blind or in residential care can get their TV licence for a reduced price. For example, you can get a 50% discount if you’re registered blind or live with someone who is. You can apply for a free TV licence online on the gov.uk website here or by calling the government’s TV licencing department on 0300 790 6117.

10. Who can get free dental care after retirement?

People 60 and over living in Scotland and Wales are entitled to free NHS dental examinations. Apart from this, there is no set age at which you become exempt from charges for dental care on the NHS. However, you may be eligible for reduced or free dental treatment if you or your partner receive certain benefits. For example, if you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, you may be eligible for free dental care. The rules differ depending on where you live and your unique circumstances, but if you’re looking for reduced or free dental treatment, Age UK has a helpful round-up of some options that may be available to you here.

11. Can you get free eye tests?

Many retirees are eligible for free eye tests. If you’re 60 or over, you can get a free eye tests every 24 months. If you’re 40 or over and have a close family member who’s been diagnosed with glaucoma (or you’ve been told by an ophthalmologist that you could develop a glaucoma), you can get a free eye test every 12 months. In addition, if you’ve been diagnosed with either type of diabetes, you can also get a free annual eye test. You may also be eligible for free eye tests if you are registered blind or partially sighted or are eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher. You can read more about eligibility for free eye tests on the NHS website here.

12. Who is entitled to free NHS prescriptions?

You can get free NHS prescriptions if you’re aged 60 or older or hold a valid war pension exemption certificate (and the prescription is for your accepted disability). You're also entitled to free prescriptions if you or your partner receive the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. On top of this, you may also be able to get free NHS prescriptions if you suffer from certain health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, epilepsy and others. The NHS has a handy calculator which can help you to check if you're eligible for free prescriptions. You can access it here.

13. Can I claim a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension?

If your spouse or civil partner died, was injured or became ill as a result of their service in the armed forces or during a period of war before 6 April 2005, you might be entitled to a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension. This benefit is paid at different rates depending on your age and financial circumstances, but you don’t have to pay tax on it. Your partner must have served before 6 April 2005 but you may be eligible if they died of an illness or injury later on. There are strict eligibility rules around such military benefits so it’s best to read up on the gov.uk website to see if you may qualify. You can read more about War Widow(er) pensions here.

Free benefit calculator

If you’re retired and not sure if you’re eligible for benefits, you can use a free and anonymous benefits calculator online to check what you could qualify for and how much money this could save you. There are a few different benefits calculators out there, but the three main ones are:

Before using one of these, you’ll likely need to gather some paperwork to help you fill out certain sections. It’s a good idea to collate details about:

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[1] Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2026

[2] Age UK, October 2023