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Pension Age Advice
If you are of pension age, you may be missing out on financial entitlements.
Every year, thousands of residents are missing out on money which can be used to meet day to day living costs: from heating bills to Council Tax, health, independent living and transport. We are here to help you you to make sure you receive your entitlements.
Below, we outline some of main sources of help which people often miss out on. You should also use our benefit calculator and speak to an advisor to find out more. Remember, if you are not receiving your pension yet or if you have a private pension and you are wanting support with making decisions on this, you should contact pension wise and consider speaking to an independent financial advisor.
Pension Credit
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Pension Credit is a means tested benefit, meaning that the amount you get depends on your circumstances.
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It is worth applying for Pension Credit even if you don’t think you will get much. This is because receiving Pension Credit can entitle you to a range of other benefits. These include help with bills, healthcare costs, and the Winter Fuel Payment.
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We recommend that all pension age residents check if they are eligible for pension credit. You can do this via our benefits calculator or phone us on 0808278 7969.
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For other ways to contact us click here or visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau.
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For more information on applying for Pension Credit, click here.
Help with heating and energy costs
See our energy pages.
Help with a long term health condition
- It is paid if you have difficulty doing tasks yourself such as dressing, moving around, and washing.
- It is a non-means tested benefit, meaning that it can be given no matter what income and savings you may have.
- You do not need to have a carer to qualify for Attendance Allowance.
- For more information or to apply, click here.
Council Tax Reductions
- This support is means tested, meaning that the amount you can get is dependant on your financial sitation.
- You may qualify even if you do not qualify for Pension credit.
- You may also be entitled to a single person discount on your council tax bill if you are the only adult in your property, or if you live with someone who is on a low income.
- Deductions may also be available if you have a disability.
- You can apply for a Council Tax Reduction online.
State Pension
The state pension is paid to people who have contributed enough National Insurance over their working lives. You must make a claim to receive state pension. Apply here.
Support with mortgage costs
Click here for more information about the mortgage interest (SMI) loan.
Help with service charges
- If you are a homeowner but have to pay ground rent or service charges, Pension Credit may help towards some or all of these costs.
- If you receive Pension Credit already you but haven’t received help with service charges, you should contact the Pension Service.
- If you have not claimed Pension Credit, use our benefits calculator and include your service charge and ground rent to find out if you are eligible.
- For more information about Pension Credit and how to apply, click here.
Help with rent if you are a tenant
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If you are a tenant and pay rent, you may be able to get housing benefit towards some or all of your rent.
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This is means tested: the amount you receive will depend on your income, savings and whether anyone else lives in the property.
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Use our benefits calculator to see if you are eligible for housing benefit.
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Click here for more information.
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