State Pension & Later Life Guide 2026/27

Step-by-step support for single people, couples and mixed-age couples

Approaching State Pension age can feel confusing — especially when you’re trying to work out what happens to your benefits, whether you can claim Pension Credit, what help is available with Council Tax, or what happens if one partner reaches pension age before the other.

This guide brings the key information together in one clear, practical place.

Inside you’ll find step-by-step guidance on:

• State Pension — checking your age, forecast, National Insurance record and making your claim

• What happens when you actually reach State Pension age

• Pension Credit eligibility and savings rules

• Single people, couples and mixed-age couples

• What happens when one partner reaches State Pension age first

• Attendance Allowance

• Council Tax Reduction, discounts and exemptions

• Housing and help with housing costs

• Workplace and private pensions

• Retirement savings and budgeting

• Taking money from your pension and how it can affect means-tested benefits

• Pension scams and protecting your retirement money

• Health costs and later-life support

• Discounts and concessions you may not realise are available

• Working after State Pension age

• Bereavement and later-life planning

• Practical checklists and worksheets

👑 DID YOU KNOW?

The guide also includes a dedicated section highlighting discounts, reductions, exemptions and extra help that mature adults can easily miss.

♿ MADE TO BE ACCESSIBLE

The guide uses clear, readable text and simple language.

It is also designed to work with Read Aloud, VoiceOver and screen-reading technology, with clickable links taking you directly to relevant official information.

WHO IS THIS GUIDE FOR?

✔️ People approaching State Pension age

✔️ People already receiving their State Pension

✔️ Single pensioners

✔️ Couples

✔️ Mixed-age couples

✔️ Family members helping an older relative

✔️ Anyone who wants to understand their retirement finances before making important decisions

2026/27 edition

🔥 LAUNCH PRICE: £9.99

Usual price: £14.99

Download your copy and keep it somewhere you can return to whenever you need it.

Inspire U 4U CIC

Support • Guidance • Completion

This guide provides general information and guidance. Individual entitlement depends on personal circumstances and current rules. It does not replace regulated financial, legal or professional advice.