State pension perks and freebies you can claim in April including benefits (2025)

There are a number of perks available that State Pensioners can claim and some of them are not means-tested. Here's all you need to know about what can be claimed

State pensioners are set to receive 11 additional perks and benefits in April, on top of their regular payments. The State Pension offers a steady taxable income for life once you reach the State Pension age and make a claim.

Some people choose to delay this while they continue to work. The State Pension isn't means-tested, but the amount you get is determined by how many qualifying years of National Insurance Contributions or credits you've amassed.

You'll need at least 10 years' worth to qualify for any State Pension payment and around 35 for the maximum amount - this could be higher for those who were 'contracted out'.

But that's not all - there are plenty of other perks available too. The current State Pension age is 66 years old for both men and women, reports Birmingham Live. You can use the GOV.UK checker below to find out when you'll start receiving your State Pension.

Remember, your State Pension won't be paid automatically – you have to claim it. You should receive an invitation letter from the Pension Service about 4 months before you reach State Pension age.

At that point, you can choose to claim it or defer it and receive higher payments in the future instead.

State Pension

The new State Pension was introduced in 2016, replacing the old State Pension that existed prior to it. Which pension you're eligible for depends on whether you reached State Pension age before the new State Pension was implemented.

The new State Pension, introduced in 2016, replaced the old State Pension (often referred to as 'the basic State Pension'). Those who already qualified for the old State Pension will continue to receive it, while new claimants are awarded the new State Pension.

Eventually, the old State Pension will be phased out entirely.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit designed for individuals over State Pension age with low income. It consists of two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

This is separate from your State Pension. Guarantee Credit boosts your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level. The current level is:

• £218.15 if you're single
• £332.95 if you're a couple.

Savings Credit provides additional funds if you have some savings or if your income exceeds the basic State Pension. It's available to those who reached State Pension age before 6 April 2016.

You could receive up to:

• £17.01 extra per week if you're single
• £19.04 extra per week if you're a couple.

Claiming Pension Credit may also make you eligible for other benefits, such as assistance with health and housing costs.

Insulation and Heating schemes

A Cold Weather Payment offers £25 a week for each 7-day period – or forecasted 7-day period – of cold weather. This only applies between 1 November and 31 March each year.

If your home lacks adequate insulation or a functioning central heating system, and you're receiving income-related benefits like Pension Credit, you're likely to be eligible.

Council Tax help

Council Tax Reduction, also known as Council Tax Support, is a benefit designed to assist individuals on a low income or those claiming certain benefits in paying their Council Tax bill. This claim can be made regardless of whether you own your home or rent, and your employment status does not affect your claim.

The amount of Council Tax Reduction you receive is not fixed. It depends on your personal circumstances and location.

Each local council runs its own Council Tax Reduction scheme, leading to variations in the levels of support provided across the country.

The amount of Council Tax Reduction you are eligible for depends on a variety of factors, no matter where you live.

Disability and care benefits

There are several benefits available to individuals, including the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). If you're below State Pension age, your PIP claim will continue if you reach State Pension age while still claiming.

Adult Disability Payment is another benefit, replacing PIP for residents of Scotland. Additionally, there's the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), but you must have started claiming this before reaching State Pension age.

Attendance Allowance is available if you're over State Pension age and haven't claimed DLA or PIP. In Scotland, the new Pension Age Disability Payment (PADP) is replacing Attendance Allowance and is currently available for claim in Argyll and Bute, Highland, Aberdeen City, Orkney and Shetland.

Travel concessions

Several national public transport concessions are available to older and disabled individuals. Some of these offer fare discounts, while others provide free travel.

Eligibility for these benefits depends on your age or if you have a disability. Once you reach the State Pension age, currently 66 for both men and women, you can apply for an older person's bus pass.

If you're aged 60 or above and reside in London, you can enjoy free travel on buses, trains, and other forms of transport within and around London with a 60+ London Oyster photocard.

Other regions may also provide travel concessions for those over 60. It's advisable to consult your local council to find out what assistance is on offer.

Free passport

British nationals born on or before 2 September 1929 are eligible to apply for a free passport. Whether it's your first passport or a renewal, it will be issued free of charge.

However, if you require an urgent passport, a fee will be applicable.

Your supporting documents, such as birth certificates, will be returned to you free of cost via standard second-class post. If you prefer secure delivery, there's usually an additional £5 charge.

You can select this option on your application if you wish to use it.

If you're a British national born on or before 2 September 1929, you can obtain or renew a British passport for free. You can also avail of the Post Office Check and Send service for free and receive free secure delivery.

If you need to get a passport urgently or if you're after a frequent traveller passport (54 pages instead of 34), you'll have to cough up a fee.

BBC TV licence

If you're aged 75 or over and you're getting Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence. It'll cover not just you, but anyone else living in your home, no matter how old they are.

If you're blind or severely sight-impaired, you can claim a 50% discount on your licence. But if you live with others, the licence has to be in your name for your household to benefit from the discount.

If you're living in a care home or sheltered housing, you might qualify for an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) licence, which will set you back £7.50. You'll only need a licence if you watch TV in your own separate accommodation, rather than in a communal area like a residents' lounge.

Have a chat with your warden or administrator to see if your care home or sheltered housing is eligible for this type of licence.

War widows and widowers

If your spouse or civil partner has died, been injured or fallen ill due to their service in HM Armed Forces, or during a time of war before April 6, 2005, you could be in line for a War Widow's or Widower's Pension.

If they passed away or suffered an injury or illness because of involvement in a conflict after April 6, 2005, you might be able to get compensation through the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme.

War pensioners

If you're serving in the Armed Forces and become disabled requiring medical treatment, you could be eligible for help with your medical costs for your accepted disability through initiatives like the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

War Disablement Pension

The War Pension Scheme (WPS) provides compensation for any injury, illness or death resulting from service before 6 April 2005. There are two primary types of WPS awards.

The one you receive depends on the extent of your disablement: a gratuity is a tax-free lump sum payment for disablement less than 20%.