5. Basic State Pension and Pension Credit

Once you reach the State Pension Age (SPA) you may be able to claim a range of benefits to help you financially, including Winter Fuel Payment (see page 75). However, the SPA, state pensions and Pension Credit arrangements are changing, affecting what you are entitled to.

Your right to claim certain other benefits changes once you reach SPA. For example, you cannot claim Disability Living Allowance (see page 18) or Personal Independence Payment (see page 18) but can claim Attendance Allowance (see page 52). You cannot claim Statutory Sick Pay (see page 40) or Employment and Support Allowance (see page 46) but this might be paid for up to a year if you became sick before reaching SPA.