Make sure you claim what you are entitled to

There are many independent on line tools available that will help you check that you are receiving the correct benefits

Pension Credit Calculator https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators

Pension Credit is an underclaimed benefit that can help people of state pension age. Further information is available from the Pension Service on Gov.uk

You can make a claim on line or by phone or by post Pension Credit: How to claim - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you get Pension Credit, it can lead to further help – even a free TV licence for those 75 and over!

Get a free or discounted TV licence - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

https://www.gov.uk/attendance-allowance Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability and need someone to look after you. Entitlement to Attendance Allowance will increase the amount of Guaranteed Pension Credit that you may be entitled to. This means if you (or your partner if you have one, or both of you) receive Attendance Allowance, you are more likely to receive Guaranteed Pension Credit. Please note, you do not have to have someone caring for you to be able to claim.  

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment   From winter 2026/27 the winter fuel payments are no longer payable to all pensioners.

For Winter 2026/27 you need to

  • Have been born before 28 June 1960 
  • Live in England or Wales

And receive one of the following benefits

  • State Pension
  • Pension Credit
  • Universal Credit
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • awards from the War Pensions Scheme
  • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
  • Incapacity Benefit
  • Industrial Death Benefit

If you do not get any of these, you need to claim if either of the following apply:

  • you’ve not got the Winter Fuel Payment before
  • you’ve deferred your State Pension since your last Winter Fuel Payment

How to claim

The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2025 to 2026 was 31 March 2026. Claims for winter 2026 to 2027 open from 21 September 2026. For further information click here