Benefits for pensioners over 70: what you may be missing

Pensioners over 70 may be able to claim several benefits on top of the State Pension. The main ones are Pension Credit, which tops income up to £238 a week for a single person, Attendance Allowance at £76.70 or £114.60 a week, the Winter Fuel Payment of £100 to £300, and Council Tax help. Some are means-tested, others are not.

At a glance

• 2026/27 State Pension: £241.30 a week (new State Pension) or £184.90 (basic State Pension, category A or B).
• Pension Credit tops income up to £238 a week (single) or £363.25 (couple), and can unlock other help such as a free TV licence at 75 and over.
• Attendance Allowance is not means-tested and does not count as income for Pension Credit.
• The Winter Fuel Payment is paid automatically to most people, but HMRC takes it back if your income is over £35,000.
• From age 60 in England, NHS eye tests and prescriptions are free whatever your income.

What is the State Pension in 2026/27?

Which State Pension you receive depends on when you reached State Pension age. People in their 70s can be on either the older basic State Pension or the new one.

Your own rate depends on your National Insurance record, so you may receive less than these full amounts. If your income is low, check the benefits below. People who delayed (deferred) claiming should know that deferred State Pension counts as income for Pension Credit.

Should you claim Pension Credit?

Pension Credit is the most valuable benefit to check. It tops up weekly income to £238 for a single person or £363.25 for a couple, known as the Guarantee Credit, and you can get it even if you own your home or have savings. Savings of £10,000 or less do not affect it. Above £10,000, every £500 counts as £1 a week of income.

Extra amounts can be added for severe disability (£86.05), caring (£48.15) and some housing costs. Savings Credit of up to £17.96 a week for a single person is only for those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016. Getting Pension Credit can also open the door to:

• Housing Benefit if you rent, and Council Tax Reduction
• Cold Weather Payments, and help with the Warm Home Discount
• A free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over
• Help with NHS costs, if you get the Guarantee Credit part

You can apply up to four months before State Pension age, and a claim can be backdated by three months. Our guide What is Pension Credit? has the full detail, and Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit explains how they interact.

What disability benefits can you get after 65?

Attendance Allowance helps with the costs of needing care or supervision because of a physical or mental disability or health condition. It is paid to people at or above State Pension age at two rates:

You do not need someone caring for you to claim, and it does not cover mobility needs. It can also increase your Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction. If someone looks after you, they could claim Carer’s Allowance, but this can reduce the severe disability amount in your own Pension Credit, so check the combined effect first.

If you already receive Disability Living Allowance, you generally continue unless you are told otherwise. Our guides cover how to claim Attendance Allowance and how to fill in the form. The Attendance Allowance checker can give a quick indication.

How much help is there with heating costs?

For winter 2026 to 2027 the Winter Fuel Payment is for people born on or before 27 June 1960 who usually live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Most people receive it automatically in November or December. The amount depends on your age and household:

Some care home residents who get Pension Credit, Universal Credit or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, and have lived in a care home for the whole time from 29 June 2026 or earlier, are not eligible. The payment is no longer income-tested up front. Instead, if your total income is over £35,000, HMRC takes it back through your tax code or Self Assessment. Other help includes Cold Weather Payments of £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather (average temperature of 0 degrees Celsius or below in your area) between 1 November 2026 and 31 March 2027, if you receive Pension Credit or certain other benefits, and a one-off £150 Warm Home Discount off your electricity bill if your supplier is in the scheme, you or your partner get Pension Credit or another qualifying means-tested benefit and your name is on the bill (different rules apply in Scotland, and it is not available in Northern Ireland). See our Winter Fuel Payment and Warm Home Discount guide.

What Council Tax and housing help is available?

Each council runs its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, and a bill can be reduced by up to 100 percent depending on income, savings and household. You can apply whether you own or rent. If you live alone you can usually get a 25 percent discount, and some people with severe mental impairment, such as advanced dementia, may qualify for a discount or exemption. See Council Tax reduction with Attendance Allowance and the dementia Council Tax discount.

Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit, but once you have reached State Pension age you can still make a new claim if you rent. A single person can claim, and a couple can claim if both partners have reached State Pension age.

What health, travel and TV licence concessions apply?

• NHS eye tests: free for everyone aged 60 or over.
• Prescriptions: free for people aged 60 or over in England. In Scotland and Wales they are free for everyone.
• Flu vaccine: free on the NHS for people aged 65 or over.
• TV licence: free for people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit.
• Bus passes: older person’s schemes differ by area, so ask your council. The Freedom Pass applies in London, and Scotland’s National Entitlement Card is available from age 60.

In Scotland, Attendance Allowance is replaced by Pension Age Disability Payment, and the Winter Fuel Payment is replaced by a Pension Age Winter Heating payment. Northern Ireland has its own Pension Credit information through the Department for Communities.

Frequently asked questions

What benefits can a pensioner over 70 claim?

Depending on circumstances: Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, the Winter Fuel Payment, Council Tax Reduction, Housing Benefit if renting, and Carer’s Allowance if caring. Free NHS eye tests and, in England, prescriptions apply from age 60 regardless of income.

Do I lose benefits if I have savings or own my home?

Not necessarily. You can get Pension Credit even if you own your home. Savings of £10,000 or less are ignored, and above that every £500 counts as £1 a week of income. Attendance Allowance ignores savings altogether.

Is the Winter Fuel Payment still means-tested?

Not at the point of payment. For winter 2026 to 2027 it is paid to most people born on or before 27 June 1960, and HMRC takes it back if your total income is over £35,000. Partner income is not counted.

Can I get a free TV licence at 75?

Yes, if you receive Pension Credit. GOV.UK lists a free TV licence for people aged 75 or over among the help available to those on Pension Credit, so claiming it is the route to a free licence.

How do I check what I am entitled to?

Use a benefits calculator on GOV.UK, ask Age UK or Citizens Advice for a benefits check, or call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234. Family members can call on your behalf if you cannot use the phone.

Where to get help next

Start with a benefits check, then see State Pension and benefits in a care home if a move is likely. The funding checker shows which care funding routes you could use, and find care lists local options.

Sources

• GOV.UK: Benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027
• GOV.UK: Pension Credit
• GOV.UK: Winter Fuel Payment
• GOV.UK: Attendance Allowance
• NHS: Free NHS eye tests and optical vouchers

Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 9 November 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.