Eight benefits state pensioners can claim on top of pension for extra £1,462 a month

It may seem like state pension payouts are always going up thanks to the Triple Lock - this year handing retirees on the new pension another £470 a year. But for those trying to make ends meet, especially if they have no other income, or possible health or mobility issues, it doesn't go very far.

That's why there's other help available, some for those of all ages and some for state pensioners specifically, claimable on top of a state pension without necessarily affecting your pension payments.

In fact, there's all sorts of different benefits those on the state pension can claim, although your eligibility for each one depends on different criteria. The total amount, £1,462.50, does not include all three of Attendance Allowance, PIP and DLA, as you can only claim one of those at a time and it does not include the one-off payments available in winter. Some of the below may require you to claim Pension Credit in order to qualify for them, so will not be open to all, and some amounts may be adjusted depending on your personal financial circumstances such as income, savings, and other benefits.

Pension Credit - up to £227.10 per week (£984.10 per month)

Pension Credit pays you a top-up to your income. It will increase your weekly state pension payments up to £227.10 per week. If you're already on the full new state pension (£230.25 per week), then you're not able to claim it. But if you have an incomplete National Insurance record, you could be getting less than this, and if you are on the old basic state pension, you may well be getting less, as this tops out at £174.45 per week.

Pension Credit is entirely income dependent. You don't need National Insurance years, and the money isn't taxed, so it cannot tip you over a HMRC threshold for tax.

Attendance Allowance - £110.40 (£478.40 per month)

Attendance Allowance pays up to £110.40 per week and is only for state pensioners. The lower rate pays £73.90, and is payable for those who need help during the day or at night. The higher rate pays £110.40, and is paid to those who need help day AND night, or who are terminally ill.

The money isn't taxable or means tested. There is no set list of conditions which would make you eligible for the money, but those who need help with daily living, such as washing and dressing, mobility, preparing food and other everyday tasks, can apply for an assessment whereby your eligibility will be determined.

Disability Living Allowance - £110.40 (£478.40 per month)

Disability Living Allowance is not open to state pensioners to claim once they reach state pension age. But if you were already claiming it before reaching state pension age, you can continue to claim it. Age UK says if you were born before April 8, 1948 and already claiming DLA, you can continue to claim it. Otherwise, after reaching pension age you will be asked to claim Attendance Allowance instead.

The weekly maximum is the same - £110.40 for the care component - and for those needing help day or night. The mobility component also pays up to £77.05 per week.

You cannot claim both DLA and AA at the same time.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) - £110.40 (£478.40 per month)

Again, like DLA, you cannot make a new PIP claim once you reach state pension age but you can continue to claim it if you were already claiming it.

PIP has two elements, a daily living component, at standard or enhanced rate, £73.90 or £110.40 per week respectively, and a mobility component, also standard or enhanced, at £29.20 to £77.05 respectively.

Age UK advises: "PIP is gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance (DLA). However, if you were born before 8 April, 1948 and you're already currently claiming DLA, you can continue to do so."

Housing Benefit - amount will vary

Housing Benefit is open to state pensioners and it could mean your rent is paid in full.

Age UK says: "You can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you're State Pension age or over. If you have a partner, you can only usually make a new claim for Housing Benefit when you both reach State Pension age.

"Housing Benefit is a means-tested benefit, so the amount you get depends on your income and how much you have in savings.

"If you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit, your income and savings aren't taken into account - so you may get your rent paid in full by Housing Benefit."

Warm Homes Discount - £150 (one off)

Age UK explains: "If you receive Pension Credit or another means tested benefit, you might be entitled to a £150 reduction on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount scheme.

"If you're eligible for Warm Home Discount, you'll get £150 off your bills in winter.

The money won't be paid to you directly - it'll be added as credit to your electricity account. This usually happens between October and March."

Cold Weather Payment - £25 (every 7 days, but no set dates/amounts)

Cold Weather Payments pay up to £25 for every seven days that the weather drops to 0C. The money is given to those who are on Pension Credit.

Winter Fuel Payment - £200 to £300 (one off)

After much to-ing and fro-ing, the government announced a new system for Winter Fuel Payments for winter 2025. Now, the £200 payment (or £300 for over 80s) will be automatically paid to all state pensioners, and reclaimed via tax for those earning £35,000 or more.