Benefits checklist for over-60s: what to claim

Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.

This is a one-page checklist of the main payments, discounts and free services for people aged 60 and over in the UK. Print it, work down it with a pen, and tick each item as "have it", "does not apply" or "need to check". Each line links to a fuller guide.

How to use this checklist

Set aside half an hour, ideally with a relative or friend. You are not applying for anything yet, just finding the gaps. To print the page, use the Print option in your web browser's menu. Amounts and dates were checked against official sources at the time of writing (November 2026); always confirm on the official page before you claim.

Before you start: have these to hand

• Your National Insurance number (on pension letters or an old payslip)
• Your date of birth and your partner's
• Recent bank and savings statements
• Letters showing your State Pension and any private or workplace pensions
• Your Council Tax bill, and your latest energy, water and broadband bills
• A list of any health conditions and the help you need day to day

Step 1: Income

• State Pension – have you claimed it? It is not paid automatically. See what you get at State Pension age.
• Pension Credit – is your weekly income below about £238 (single) or £363.25 (couple)? You may qualify with more if you have a disability or care for someone. See Pension Credit.
• Attendance Allowance (Pension Age Disability Payment in Scotland) – do you need help with washing, dressing or getting about indoors, or someone to keep an eye on you? Not means-tested. See Attendance Allowance.
• Over 80 pension – are you 80 or over with little or no basic State Pension? See what you get at 80.
• Carer's Allowance – does someone look after you, or do you look after someone, for many hours a week? Ask Citizens Advice, as it can affect other benefits.

Step 2: Housing costs

• Council Tax Reduction – low income? Apply to your council, whether you own or rent.
• Single person discount – are you the only adult at home? 25% off.
• Severe mental impairment or Disabled Band Reduction – does anyone at home have dementia or a similar condition, or is the home adapted for a disabled person?
• Housing Benefit – if you rent and are over State Pension age, ask your council.

All covered in Council Tax Reduction and discounts.

Step 3: Energy and winter

• Winter Fuel Payment (Pension Age Winter Heating Payment in Scotland) – born on or before 27 June 1960? Usually automatic; claim by 31 March 2027 if you have never had it and get no State Pension. See Winter Fuel Payment.
• Warm Home Discount – £150 off electricity if you get Pension Credit or certain other benefits. See Warm Home Discount.
• Cold Weather Payment – £25 per freezing week if you get Pension Credit. See Cold Weather Payment.
• Priority Services Register – registered with your energy supplier, network operator and water company? Free. See Priority Services Register.

Step 4: Other bills

• TV licence – 75 or over and on Pension Credit? Apply for a free licence. See free TV licence.
• Broadband and mobile – on Pension Credit or another qualifying benefit? Ask for the social tariff. See broadband social tariffs.
• Water – asked about the social tariff, WaterSure or a meter? See help with water bills.

Step 5: Health costs

• Prescriptions – free at 60 in England; free for all in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Sight tests – free NHS test from 60 (everyone in Scotland). Had one in the last two years?
• Dental – free treatment if you get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; otherwise ask about the NHS Low Income Scheme.

All covered in free prescriptions, sight tests and dental help.

Step 6: Travel and getting about

• Bus pass – from 60 in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; from State Pension age in England. See free bus pass.
• London – free travel from 60 for London residents. See 60+ London Oyster.
• Rail – a Senior Railcard from 60; check whether it pays with our railcard calculator.
• Blue Badge – difficulty walking? See the Blue Badge guide.

Step 7: Buying equipment

• Council needs assessment – ask adult social care before you buy aids or adaptations yourself.
• VAT relief – long-term condition or disability? Buy qualifying equipment without VAT. Aged 60 or over? 5% VAT on certain aids fitted at home. See VAT relief on mobility aids.

The quick-reference table

Who can check it all for you, free

• Citizens Advice – full benefits checks and help with forms.
• Age UK – advice for older people and local help filling in claims.
• MoneyHelper – impartial, government-backed money and pensions guidance.
• Benefits calculators listed on GOV.UK – free, anonymous online calculators.

Common questions

How often should I go through this list?

Once a year is sensible, and again after any big change: a bereavement, a new diagnosis, moving home, a birthday that crosses one of the age milestones, or a drop in savings.

Which item should I do first?

If your income is modest, Pension Credit, because so many other items on the list follow from it. If your health is the main issue, Attendance Allowance.

Will claiming one thing reduce another?

Sometimes benefits interact, which is why a full check with Citizens Advice or Age UK is worthwhile. In many cases one claim increases another: Attendance Allowance, for example, can lead to extra Pension Credit.

What about discounts in shops and on days out?

Those are covered separately in our over-60s discounts section and the discount finder.