Benefits for people over the state pension age

You can get Attendance Allowance (AA) if you are over the State Pension age and need help with personal care because of a health condition or disability. This includes physical and mental illnesses.

You could apply for AA if your lung condition means that you need help with personal care needs, for example:  

• washing and bathing
• dressing and undressing
• going to the toilet
• eating and drinking.

You do not need to have a carer to get AA, but you must have had care or supervision needs for at least six months.

Citizens Advice has more information about AA, including how to apply and how much you could get. They can also help you with your AA application.

A Winter Fuel Payment is a tax-free payment to help you with your heating costs. You will get a Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 25 September 1957. The amount of money you will receive depends on the year you were born and your circumstances.

You should be paid automatically between November and December. If you are eligible but have not received any money, you can make a claim. The deadline to make a claim this winter is 31 March 2024.

An older person’s bus pass lets you travel for free on buses. If you live in England you can get an older person’s bus pass when you reach State Pension age. If you live in London, you can travel on buses, tubes and other transport for free when you are 60.

In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland you can get an older person’s bus pass when you are 60.

We have more information about transport schemes, including advice about getting a Blue Badge and public transport discounts. 

The State Pension is a payment you can claim when you reach State Pension age. The State Pension age is different for everybody, depending on what year you were born in. You can use the government’s website to find out your State Pension age.

Citizens Advice has more information about the State Pension, including how to claim it and how much you can get. 

Pension Credit is extra money to help with your living costs. You can claim it if you’re over the State Pension age and have a low income. 

Find out more about Pension Credit in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Find out more about Pension Credit in Northern Ireland.