New guidance on DWP help for state pensioners has been issued in Parliament. Responding to a question by Labour MP Mary Kelly Foy on the financial aid for women born in the 1950s affected by the retirement age alterations, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlined the accessible support for those over State Pension age.

Pensions Minister Torsten Bell, in a written retort, highlighted the DWP's commitment to backing pensioners, with State Pensions set to escalate annually throughout the Labour Government's tenure as per the Triple Lock scheme. The Triple Lock policy ensures that both New and Basic State Pensions swell yearly, basing increases on the highest value among average annual earnings growth from May to July, CPI in the year to September, or 2.5 per cent. Bell confirmed that from April 7 onwards, State Pension payments would see a 4.1 per cent rise, reports the Daily Record.

Bell remarked: "We are committed to supporting pensioners - with millions set to see their yearly Basic State Pension rise by around £1,500, or their New State Pension rise by around £1,900, over this parliament, through our commitment to the Triple Lock." He also spoke on Pension Credit, commenting to say: "Pension Credit provides vital financial support for pensioners, including women. It tops up state and private pensions to a guaranteed weekly minimum - the Standard Minimum Guarantee, which, for single pensioners, is set to increase from £218.15 to £227.10 in April 2025."

He also mentioned that to increase the uptake of Pension Credit - an estimated 760,000 pensioners are eligible for the annual income boost of over £4,200 but are not claiming it - the DWP has been running its largest-ever awareness campaign, as "we want all eligible pensioners to claim what they are entitled to".

The DWP minister also highlighted that the UK Government provides additional direct financial assistance to low-income pensioners through the Warm Home Discount scheme, which is set to expand its eligibility next winter and support over 6.1 million households.

Benefits for people over State Pension age

Benefits and discounts available in retirement include:

  • Pension Credit
  • Help with Council Tax
  • Travel and TV benefits
  • Benefits for war widows and widowers
  • State Pension
  • Health benefits - Attendance Allowance, Pension Age Disability Payment
  • Help with heating costs - eligibility for some may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit

Furthermore, pensioners in England and Wales receive £25 Cold Weather Payments. Local councils across the country also offer additional financial support to help with the cost of living, with more information available on the dedicated pages of the Scottish Government website.

Mr. Bell added: "For those people who are unable to work but who are not yet eligible for pensioner benefits because of their age, financial support is available through the welfare system."

State Pension

The State Pension isn't means-tested, but the amount you receive depends on how many qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits you've accumulated. You need at least 10 years' worth for any State Pension payment and around 35 for the maximum amount - this may be higher for people who were 'contracted out'.

More information can be found here.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit currently benefits 1.4m people across the UK - including over 125,000 in Scotland - by providing extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. It is a 'passport' benefit that provides on average around £4,200 each 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.

You can use the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK for yourself or a family member to ensure you're receiving all the financial support you're entitled to. You can also call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.

Council Tax support

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 several schemes available that provide insulation and heating improvements to make homes more energy efficient. If your home is poorly insulated or lacks a functioning central heating system, and you're receiving any income-related benefits including Pension Credit, you may be eligible.

Other help available

Travel concessions are available for those over 60 or disabled. If you were born on or before September 2, 1929, and are a British national, you could qualify for a free passport. More details and application procedures can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Unless you receive Pension Credit, you will now need to pay for your TV licence. However, people over State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may be able to get the TV Licence for half price.

Benefits are also available for war widows and widowers. If your spouse or civil partner passed away, was injured or fell ill due to their service in Her Majesty's (HM) Armed Forces, or during a time of war prior to April 6, 2005, you may be eligible for a War Widow's or Widower's Pension.

If they died or suffered an injury or illness as a result of serving in a conflict after April 6, 2005, you may be entitled to compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Furthermore, f you require medical treatment because you were disabled while serving in the Armed Forces, you could receive help towards your medical costs for your accepted disability.

Meanwhile, if you were injured or disabled while serving in the Armed Forces before April 6, 2005, you can get additional help towards your pension.