Across Great Britain, approximately 13 million individuals have reached State Pension age, including over 1.1 million residents in Scotland. For many retirees, the contributory State Pension serves as a primary income source, providing crucial financial support. Currently, 4.1 million people receiving the New State Pension can get up to £921 every four weeks, while 8.8 million retirees on the Basic State Pension receive up to £705.80 per pay period. It is vital for those approaching or already receiving their State Pension to be aware of the comprehensive range of benefits and discounts available, from DWP payments to reductions on Council Tax and help with heating costs.

Beyond the primary State Pension, there are numerous avenues to boost income. Pension Credit, for instance, offers an average of £4,300 annually and currently takes around 50 working days to process, meaning successful claimants could receive their first payments before the end of June. To simplify access to these benefits, discounts, and reductions, the MoneyHelper website has compiled an extensive list with quick eligibility checks. The easiest method to determine eligibility is by using an online benefits calculator. It is also encouraged to assist older family members or friends who may lack internet access or computer literacy to ensure they claim all entitled financial support in 2025.

A wide array of benefits and discounts are available for people over State Pension age, including but not limited to: State Pension, Pension Credit, help with Council Tax, assistance with heating costs (which may require a relevant qualifying means-tested benefit), various health benefits such as Attendance Allowance and Pension Age Disability Payment, as well as travel and TV benefits, and specific provisions for war widows and widowers.

The State Pension provides a regular taxable income for life once an individual reaches State Pension age and makes a claim. Some may choose to defer this if they continue working. It is not means-tested, with the amount dependent on National Insurance contributions or credits. A minimum of 10 qualifying years is required for any payment, and approximately 35 years for the maximum amount, though this may differ for those who were 'contracted out'. For the 2025/26 financial year, the Full New State Pension is £230.25 per week, and the Full Basic State Pension (Category A or B) is £176.45 per week.

Pension Credit currently supports 1.4 million individuals across the UK, including over 125,000 in Scotland, who are over State Pension age and on a low income. Averaging around £4,300 in financial support this year, it acts as a 'gateway' or 'passport' benefit, unlocking access to Council Tax discounts, help with housing costs, NHS discounts, and free TV Licences for those over 75. Eligibility can be checked via the Pension Credit Calculator on GOV.UK or by calling the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234.

Regardless of whether one owns or rents their home, support for Council Tax payments may be available from the local authority. Individuals should contact their local council to inquire about such assistance.

Several insulation and heating schemes aim to improve home energy efficiency. Eligibility for these schemes often applies if a home is poorly insulated or lacks a working central heating system, especially if the occupant receives income-related benefits, including Pension Credit. Further information is available from Home Energy Scotland or by calling 0808 808 2282.

In Scotland, all residents are entitled to free prescriptions. Information regarding free dental treatment and refunds for travel to hospital appointments is also available.

For individuals with disabilities, long-term health conditions, or specific care needs, a number of benefits are accessible. These include Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those under State Pension age (which continues if claimed before reaching State Pension age), Adult Disability Payment (ADP) as a replacement for PIP in Scotland, and Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which requires claimants to have been receiving it before State Pension age.

Attendance Allowance is specifically for those over State Pension age who have not claimed DLA or PIP. A new benefit in Scotland, Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP), is replacing Attendance Allowance and is currently available to claim in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland, with wider rollout planned.

Travel concessions are available for individuals over 60 or those with disabilities. Details can be found on the Transport Scotland website.

British nationals born on or before September 2, 1929, may be eligible for a free passport, with application details available on the GOV.UK website.

A TV Licence is generally required, but it is free for individuals receiving Pension Credit. Moreover, people over State Pension age who are registered as severely sight-impaired or blind may qualify for a half-price TV Licence. The MoneyHelper Advice Service TV licence guide provides comprehensive eligibility information.

For war widows and widowers, specific benefits exist. If a husband, wife, or civil partner died or was injured or became ill as a result of service in HM Armed Forces or during a war before April 6, 2005, entitlement to a War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension may apply. For deaths, injuries, or illnesses sustained after April 6, 2005, due to conflict service, compensation may be available through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme. Further details are on the GOV.UK website.

War pensioners who require medical treatment for a disability accepted as service-related can receive help towards their medical costs. Additionally, if injured or disabled while serving in the Armed Forces before April 6, 2005, extra help may be available through the War Disablement Pension.

Age Scotland also offers a comprehensive list of benefits, discounts, and support available to older people on their website. For ongoing updates and community support, individuals can join the Daily Record's Money Saving Scotland Facebook group, subscribe to the Record Money newsletter, or follow their updates on X (@Recordmoney_) and WhatsApp.