Annually, the UK government puts billions of pounds aside to assist retired people with the cost of living. Whether you’re concerned about the heating bills, covering your council tax, or paying off a mortgage, support is available. Keep reading to find out the benefits and entitlements you could claim.
Boost What’s in Your Bank Account
Medical Care Benefits
Prescriptions
If you’re 60 or above, you’ll receive free prescriptions on the NHS. If you’re younger, the NHS offers prescription pre-payment schemes for 3-12 months that cover all the prescriptions you need.
Free Eye Tests
Inform your optician when you turn 60, as this will entitle you to a free NHS sight test.
Depending on which other benefit schemes you’re eligible for, you could receive free NHS dental treatment, assistance with covering your glasses or contact lenses, and transport to doctor’s appointments.
Free TV Licence
Most people would find an additional £170 in their bank account a year immensely helpful. If you’re over 75 and eligible for Pension Credit, you’re also entitled to a free TV license. Visually impaired individuals can also claim a discount.
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax Reduction is a benefit assisting people on a low income with their Council Tax payments. Whether you rent or have a mortgage will not impact your application. You can apply for a Council Tax reduction regardless of your employment status.
Local councils operate their own Council Tax Reduction schemes, so the amount you’re eligible for will differ based on where you live. The amount you can claim will also depend on your age, income, savings and who you currently live with.
Apply for Council Tax Reduction through the UK Government Site.
Personal care benefits
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance benefits those who’ve reached State Pension age, who require personal care because of a disability or health condition. Attendance Allowance is flexible so you can use it for several types of living assistance, including meal preparation, shopping delivery and taxi fares.
Carer's Allowance
If a partner, relative or friend relies on your support to live their daily life, you’re considered a carer. Naturally, costs come with caring for someone you love, and it can become a financial strain. Carer's Allowance is £81.90 a week. If your State Pension payments are lower than this, you can claim the difference in amount to top up your income.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension. The scheme is for people over the State Pension age who are on a low income. There are two categories of Pension Credit: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
Guarantee Credit
Guarantee Credit boosts your weekly income to meet the minimum State Pension amount.
Savings Credit
If your income is above the basic State Pension, you can apply for Savings Credit which will supplement what you have tucked away for a rainy day.
If you claim the Pension Credit benefit, you could be eligible for additional benefits like free NHS dental treatment, Council Tax exemption and a Winter Fuel Payment.
Housing Benefit
If you’re living on a low income and have reached the State Pension age, the Housing Benefit offers financial support for your rent. Housing Benefit is evaluated against your income and savings. Your rent, house size, and who you live with will also impact the amount you’re entitled to.
If you get disability or carer’s benefits like Carer’s Allowance or Attendance Allowance, this could improve your Housing Benefit payment.
Find out if you’re eligible here.
Government Help for Energy Bills
Warm Home Discount
A one-time payment of £150 towards your winter energy bills. You're automatically entitled to the Warm Home Discount if you qualify for Guarantee Credit. Other benefits may also make you eligible to apply if you have higher energy costs.
Cold Weather Payment
The Government gives out £25 a week to eligible households when temperatures fall to zero or below for seven consecutive days. This benefit is only active between November 1st and March 31st and isn’t available if you live in a care home.
Apply for Cold Weather Payments here.
Household Support Fund
Local councils are responsible for distributing Household Support Funds and the eligibility criteria differ based on your location. The payment scheme is for people most impacted by increasing food, gas and utility bill costs.
Contact your council to find out more.
Transport Benefit
Winter Fuel Payment
The Government issues an annual tax-free payment of £200 or £300 to eligible households between November and December. This payment goes toward heating your home during winter. To qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment, you must be the State Pension age and receive a means-tested benefit like Guarantee Credit.
Cheaper Travel with Concession Fares
Free Bus Pass
There are two bus passes available that will provide free travel on local buses:
- An older person's bus pass.
- A disabled person's bus pass.
Rail Service Discounts
To qualify for a Senior Railcard, you must be 60 or over. You’ll pay a set fee for the card and receive a third off your train fares when you buy a ticket.
Benefit From a Retirement Home with Churchill Living
We want you to have a warm, worry-free Christmas. That’s why we’re offering a bounty of benefits when you move into one of our comfortable, energy-efficient apartments this winter. Benefits include:
- Paid stamp duty
- A Winter Fuel Allowance for the next five years.
- Shopping vouchers and discounts.
Find your retirement home with Churchill Living today.