Reaching State Pension age (66 for people born before 6 April 1960, higher for those born later) unlocks a range of benefits you could not access before. Some start automatically; most require you to claim. Here is everything you become eligible for, and what stops, when you reach State Pension age in 2026/27.
State Pension Age in 2026/27
State Pension age is 66 for both men and women born before 6 April 1960. It rises in stages to 67 for those born between 6 April 1960 and 5 April 1977.
What You Can Claim From State Pension Age
1. New State Pension
The full New State Pension is £241.30/week in 2026/27. You receive the full amount if you have 35 qualifying NI years. You need at least 10 qualifying years to receive anything.
Check your forecast at gov.uk/check-state-pension or call the Future Pension Centre: 0800 731 0175.
You must claim it — DWP sends a letter around 4 months before you reach State Pension age. Claim online at gov.uk/new-state-pension/how-to-claim or call 0800 731 7898.
2. Pension Credit
Pension Credit tops up your income to a guaranteed minimum:
| Household | Guarantee Credit threshold 2026/27 |
|---|---|
| Single person | £238.00/week |
| Couple | £363.25/week |
If your total weekly income (State Pension + private pension + savings income) is below this threshold, Pension Credit makes up the difference. Around 850,000 eligible pensioners are currently not claiming it — do not be one of them.
Pension Credit also unlocks:
- Housing Benefit (if you rent)
- Winter Fuel Payment (£100–£300/year, now paid regardless of Pension Credit status but subject to the £35,000 income clawback)
- Council Tax Reduction
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Free sight tests and help with glasses
- Cold Weather Payment
Claim Pension Credit at gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or call 0800 99 1234.
3. Attendance Allowance
If you have a physical or mental health condition and need help with personal care or supervision, you can claim Attendance Allowance:
| Rate | Weekly amount 2026/27 | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £76.70/week | Need help during the day OR night |
| Higher rate | £114.60/week | Need help during the day AND night |
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested — it does not matter how much income or savings you have. It is tax-free.
Important: If you were already receiving PIP when you reached State Pension age, your PIP award continues until it ends (or is reviewed). But if you reach State Pension age without a disability benefit in payment, you must apply for Attendance Allowance (not PIP) for new care needs.
4. Housing Benefit
If you rent your home (privately or from a social landlord) and have a low income, you may qualify for Housing Benefit. For pensioners, Housing Benefit is claimed through your local council — it is not paid through Universal Credit.
Pension Credit recipients are usually passported to Housing Benefit automatically if they are renters.
5. Council Tax Reduction
Apply to your local council for Council Tax Reduction (also called Council Tax Support). The rules vary by council, but pensioners on Pension Credit usually receive a full or near-full reduction.
6. Free NHS Prescriptions
From age 60, all NHS prescriptions are free in England. If you were already on UC or ESA, you may already have had free prescriptions — from 60, everyone gets them regardless of income.
7. Free Bus Pass (England)
In England, you can apply for a free bus pass from State Pension age. This gives you free travel on local buses in England, outside London usually available from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays and all day at weekends.
Apply through your local council or at gov.uk/apply-for-elderly-person-bus-pass.
8. Free TV Licence at 75
From age 75, households where everyone is 75 or over are entitled to a free TV licence — but only if they receive Pension Credit. At 74, you pay the standard fee. Claim at tvlicensing.co.uk once you reach 75 and are receiving Pension Credit.
What Stops When You Reach State Pension Age
| Benefit | What happens at State Pension age |
|---|---|
| Universal Credit | Stops — claim Pension Credit instead |
| New Style JSA | Stops |
| Employment Support Allowance | Stops — claim Pension Credit |
| Working Tax Credit | Stops |
| PIP (existing award) | Continues until award end date; no new PIP claims after State Pension age |
Worked Example: Patricia, Reaches State Pension Age in July 2026
Patricia has a full New State Pension of £241.30/week, no private pension, and £9,000 in savings.
- Pension Credit: Her income is £241.30/week — above the £238.00 single threshold. She does not qualify for the basic Guarantee Credit. However, she has savings of £9,000 — below £10,000 (below which savings are disregarded). She is very close to the threshold (within £3.30/week) and should apply to get a definitive answer.
- Attendance Allowance: Patricia has arthritis — she applies and receives the lower rate (£76.70/week). This brings her total weekly income to £318.00.
- Free bus pass: Patricia applies through her local council and receives it immediately.
- Free prescriptions: Already free from age 60.
Advice: Patricia should still apply for Pension Credit — receiving Attendance Allowance may trigger additional Pension Credit entitlement through the severe disability addition.
See our State Pension guide, Pension Credit guide, and Attendance Allowance guide.