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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.
There are lots of financial help available depending on your circumstances. Here, 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
A means tested benefit which can top up your income, the amount will depend on your circumstances for example if you are a carer or if you are disabled or have a long term health condition. Check if you can get Pension Credit, click here.
Help with Heating and energy costs
You may qualify for Winter Fuel Payment. This is an annual payment towards heating costs. The government announced in the Summer 2024 that it intended that this becomes means tested which means you may need to apply for a means tested benefit if you are not already on this. However you should seek advice. How to apply – if you do not receive it automatic you may need to apply which can be done online or phoning. There is also other help such as social tariffs and being on the priority register. See our energy pages.
Help with a long term health condition
If you are over 65 years of age, you may qualify for Attendance Allowance. This is non-means tested meaning it ignores your income and savings, it is paid if you have difficulty doing tasks yourself without difficulty such as dressing, moving around indoors, washing. You do not need to have a carer and it doesn’t mean you cannot do it at all. If given it is not taxable, and can mean you are entitled to other financial support such as Pension Credit or with your council tax. If you receive a blue badge, this could be a good indicator that you may qualify. If you find it harder to do things yourself now then you may qualify and should speak to an advisor. How to apply – by phone, post or online
Council Tax Reductions
There is help to reduce your council tax bill. This includes Council Tax Reduction Support which is means tested support from your local council which can reduce the council tax bill. Even if you do not get pension credit, if you have low capital/savings and your income is below certain levels you may qualify. You may also be entitled to a single person discount if you are the only adult in your property or if you live with a second adult who is on a low income or if someone has a severe disability, there are other deductions available which you can speak to one of our advisors about. How to apply – by contacting your local council , you can usually do this online.
State Pension
The state pension is paid to people who have contributed enough National Insurance over their working lives. To receive this, you must make an actual claim. Sometimes people do not make this claim. How to apply – you can apply online.
Support with mortgage costs
Some homeowners can apply for help with mortgage costs through a government interest charged loan scheme, you will need to receive Pension Credit to get this help. If you are a homeowner with a mortgage you may be eligible but you must seek independent financial advice before taking this on. Please see Citizens Advice help pages for more information. How to apply – after receiving advice, you can apply online.
Service Charge help
If you are a leaseholder and own your home 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 you should contact them and send copies of the bills. If you have not claimed, use our calculator and include your service charge and ground rent to find out if you are eligible. How to apply – via pension credit
Help with Rent if you are a tenant
If you are a tenant and rent your home, you may be able to get housing benefit towards some or all of your rent. This is means tested and the amount will depend on your income, savings and whether anyone else lives in the property or if you have empty rooms. Use our calculator and speak to an advisor. How to apply – via your local council.
Problems have a severe impact on people’s lives if left unresolved these problems don’t just affect the individual, they impact on the whole community.
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