The benefits you can claim once you reach state pension age

People approaching state pension age have been urged to check what state benefits they are entitled to and if they can boost their income by claiming any benefits.

One notable benefit a person of state pension age can claim is Pension Credit, which provides a top-up payment for people on low incomes.

The hugely underclaimed benefit tops up a single person’s income up to £201.05 a week and a couple’s income up to £306.85 a week.

The benefit can increase a household’s income by more than £3,000 a year providing a welcome boost as the cost of living continues to increase.

Extra payments are also available through Pension Credit depending on a person’s situation, such as if they care for another person.

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These are the benefits a person can continue to claim even if you are over state pension age:

  • Child Benefit (delivered by HMRC)
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Guardian’s Allowance
  • Statutory Sick Pay (SSP).

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Individuals can also still claim these benefits after reaching state pension age, but only if they meet the income threshold for each benefit:

  • Pension Credit
  • Housing Benefit
  • Council Tax Support
  • Support for Mortgage Interest
  • Working Tax Credit (HMRC) – A person cannot make new claims for this, but if they are already getting it they can continue to receive it
  • Child Tax Credit (HMRC)- A person cannot make new claims for this, but if they are already getting it they can continue to receive it
  • Cold Weather Payment – now replaced by new £50 payment in Scotland
  • Warm Home Discount Scheme
  • Winter Fuel Payment.

However, a person will no longer be able to claim these benefits once they reach state pension age:

  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Universal Credit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • Contributory/New Style Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).

The state pension age is currently 66 although this is set to rise gradually to 67 and then to 68 over the coming years.

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