Skip to content Skip to nav
Accessibility statement

Older people

Services, benefits, and savings available for people of a pensionable age.

From winter 2025/26, eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment has changed. All people who have reached State Pension age (born on or before 21 September 1959) and live in England or Wales during the qualifying week will normally receive the payment automatically.

No action is needed unless you do not receive your payment by the end of January 2026.

Extra support: If your income is low, you may be entitled to Pension Credit, which can increase your weekly income and unlock other benefits such as help with housing costs and free TV licences for over-75s. Check your eligibility and apply if you think you qualify.

Close all Open all

Pension Credit

If you're on a low income and over State Pension age, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. Pension Credit tops up:

  • your weekly income to £227.10 if you are single
  • your weekly income to £346.60 if you have a partner.

If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you:

  • have a disability
  • care for someone
  • have savings
  • have housing costs.

You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. After you reach State Pension age applications can only be backdated by 3 months:

Pension Credit - more information on GOV.UK and how to apply

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 22 September 1959 you might automatically get a Winter Fuel Payment, to help with heating during the cold months. To be eligible you must:

  • live in England or Wales
  • your income is less than £35,000. If your income is more than that, the HMRC will take the payment back.

You could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills. You can also opt out of the payment if you don't want it.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get a letter in October or November saying how much you’ll get. Most eligible people will be paid in November or December 2025.

If you do not get a letter, but you think you’re eligible, check if you need to make a claim:

Winter Fuel payment - more information on GOV.UK

Cold Weather Payment

You may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment if you are in receipt of any benefits of the following:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

The payment is made if the temperature falls below zero degrees celsius for 7 consecutive days or more, between November and March:

Cold Weather Payment - more information on GOV.UK

Travel passes

National bus pass

If you are of pensionable age, and you live in the East Riding, you may be entitled to a national bus pass. This allows you to use bus services free of charge, between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and at all times on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays.

National bus pass - more information and how to apply

Senior railcard

If you are aged 60 or over, you can purchase a senior railcard and receive a third off all rail fares to travel across Britain. The discount includes all standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares across the national rail network.

Senior rail card - more information and how to apply

Free TV licence

If you are over 75 and getting Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free TV licence:

Free TV licence - more information on TV Licensing

Pension Wise

Pension Wise is a government service that offers free, impartial guidance about your pension options. An appointment with Pension Wise is free and will help you understand what your overall financial situation will be when you retire:

Pension Wise - more information and how to book an appointment

State Retirement Pension

The State Pension age is increasing to 67

Legislative background

The Pensions Act 2014 brought forward the timetable for increasing the State Pension age from 66 to 67 by eight years, as part of long-term reforms to ensure the sustainability of the UK pension system.

Who Is affected and when?

The increase will be phased in between 2026 and 2028, and it will affect men and women born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961.

These individuals will see their State Pension age rise gradually from 66 to 67 depending on their exact date of birth.

For example, someone born on 6 April 1960 will reach State Pension age a few months after turning 66, rather than exactly on their 66th birthday.

Those born closer to 5 March 1961 will reach State Pension age at or near 67.

You can use the State Pension age checker to find out your exact retirement date under current legislation.

If you were born before these dates, these rules do not apply. Instead, you’ll get the basic State Pension. You may also get Additional State Pension.

Get your State Pension

You’ll need:

  • the date of your most recent marriage, civil partnership or divorce
  • the dates of any time spent living or working abroad
  • your bank or building society details
  • the invitation code from the letter about getting your State Pension.

If you do not have your letter and you’ll reach State Pension age in the next 3 months, you can request an invitation code to apply online.

Get your State Pension - Start now

MoneyHelper

MoneyHelper, the government's financial guidance service, provides a selection of useful guides on pensions and retirement:

MoneyHelper - more information about pensions

Age UK

Age UK are a national charity who provide support and advice for older people, as well as campaigning for their rights and care:

Age UK - more information

Stop Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers. If you think you, or someone you know, is paying money to a loan shark or an illegal money lender you can:

  • find out what a loan shark is
  • safely and anonymously report loan sharks and illegal money lenders
  • call the 24hr helpline on 0300 555 2222 for confidential advice and support
  • find out about loan shark debt
  • have a live web chat to get instant advice and support

Stop Loan Sharks - more information on the website

Subscribe to East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Stay updated on the latest East Riding news

We use GovDelivery to send you emails, which is secure and you can choose to stop receiving emails at any time.

Find out more in our Privacy notice.

Subscribe to East Riding News

Alerts