The cut to pensioners’ winter fuel allowance has dominated headlines in recent weeks.
Sir Keir Starmer’s government says the change is needed to help fill a £22bn “black hole” in the public finances, but campaigners say some poorer pensioners will be forced to choose between heating and eating over winter.
But aside from the winter fuel allowance, reaching retirement age comes with other entitlements and perks.
Here we take a look at the benefits and discounts available to pensioners…
Government benefits and entitlements
State pension
This is a regular payment from the government once you reach state pension age and it’s determined by your national insurance contributions.
State pension age is currently 66 for both men and women.
A full basic state pension comes in at £221.20 a week and you can read more about it here.
Attendance allowance
Worth up to £108.55 a week, this is for people over state pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability.
Eligibility information here.
Pension credit
This is a means-tested benefit for people over state pension age who have a low income.
It comes in at £218.15 a week for single people and £332.95 per week for couples.
More information here.
Cold weather payment
This benefit is £25 a week and to be eligible the average temperature in your area needs to have been, or be forecasted to be, 0C or less for seven days in a row. You’ll usually be…
