Many retired people assume that they don’t qualify for the extra income they’re owed by the Government. Perhaps because they own their own home, have savings put aside or simply don't see themselves as badly off. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, that assumption could be costing thousands of pounds a year. Our Entitlements Manager, Aleks is here to help you – or a family member – to claim the money you’re entitled to.
Aleks’ 7 tips for claiming help with retirement costs
1. Don't assume owning a home rules you out
One of the biggest misconceptions is that homeowners can't receive financial support. In reality, some types of support, like attendance allowance are unaffected by your income, savings or the value of your home.
2. Check whether those nagging health issues make you eligible
If aches and pains slow you down or you struggle with everyday tasks, you may well qualify for financial help. However, many people don’t think their situation is serious enough to ask – they’ve got used to getting by. If you’re a family member you may have noticed your loved one struggling with a task – this could be a good opportunity to start a conversation.
3. Find out how much extra money could be available
It can add up to several thousand pounds a year. That’s extra money to cover day-to-day costs, heating, hobbies, transport costs or lifestyle services – anything that you choose to make life easier and more enjoyable.
4. Bear in mind that one form of support can unlock others
Qualifying for one type of financial support can sometimes open the door to additional help – like reduced council tax – so your retirement income goes even further!
5. Start conversations early
The process can take time – up to 3 months from the Government receiving an application – so it's worth exploring your options sooner rather than later. Even if you're only just starting to think about the future, understanding what additional income you can claim can help you make decisions with confidence.
6. Don't let paperwork put you off
Application forms can be complicated and difficult to complete. But help is available, and having someone like me to guide you through the process makes it much simpler, less stressful – and more likely to be approved.
7. Ask for advice – you might be pleasantly surprised
A quick chat with someone like me – who understands the options available – could reveal support you never realised existed. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 201 4811 or contact us online to find out more about the free entitlements service.
Attendance Allowance facts
- ‘Attendance Allowance’ is not for ‘attendance’. It is paid to people of state pension age who find some everyday tasks harder than they used to due to heath issues.
- It is worth thousands. It starts from over £3,900 a year and can potentially unlock other benefits too.
- You’ve earned it. After a lifetime of paying taxes, this money has been saved by the Government for you to use when you need it.
- An estimated £5.2 billion is unclaimed each year. It is thought that over a million eligible pension-age people haven’t applied but could qualify
Attendance Allowance myths-busted!
Myth 1: I can’t claim if I’m well off
Wrong. Your finances will not be looked into at any point in the process. You can claim Attendance Allowance even if you own your own home, have a good pension and plenty of savings.
Myth 2: I’d have to spend it on care
Wrong. The extra income is designed to make your life easier and more comfortable, but what you spend it on is entirely up to you. No questions asked.
Myth 3: it may affect my driving licence
Wrong. All the information you provide is confidential and not shared beyond the application process, so it doesn’t affect any other aspects of your life. (But if you are concerned about your ability to drive it is a good idea to talk to your GP/healthcare specialist.)
About Aleks
Aleks has been helping people claim money they are entitled to for over 23 years. She began working for McCarthy & Stone in 2015 and loves helping older people get the extra income they are due – which in turn can help them secure the retirement home and lifestyle they want.
It’s very rewarding. I spoke to one woman who lived alone in a lovely four bedroom house – her pension was very low and she struggled with bills. She wanted to move into one of our properties, but was worried about her future finances. I helped her claim Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit plus free Council Tax and TV licensing, allowing her to move with confidence. It’s given her a new lease of life – not just financially, but from her easier home and new social life.
Aleks' role in numbers
No 1 - We’re the ONLY retirement living provider to offer an in-house free entitlements advice
Over £5.5 million - The amount Aleks has claimed for our homeowners since 2015
96% - The percentage of her claims that are successful
5 stars - All the reviews of Aleks’ work on Trustpilot are glowing.
How Aleks can help you to claim financial support in five simple steps
Step 1: a quick call
Aleks will phone you and ask you some questions. Everything you say is completely confidential but within 30 minutes she can tell you if she thinks you could successfully apply for financial support.
Step 2: support filling in forms
Aleks will send you a copy of the relevant form to look through. She will then call you to help you with anything you don’t understand. She’ll talk you though the questions and type up your answers for you.
Step 3: review and sign
You’ll be sent the filled-in form to check for accuracy. You simply need to review, sign and return in a prepaid envelope.
Step 4: it’s a waiting game
Once received claims can take 12 weeks to process – which is why it is worth having the conversation as early as possible.
Step 5: enjoy a 96% chance of success
96% of the claims Aleks supports are successful, so it is likely you’ll soon be enjoying extra income to spend on whatever you choose.
Aleks is here for family members too
Are you looking to help a loved one claim everything they’re entitled to? Aleks can support you too – from answering your questions to helping you to help them fill in forms. Get in touch online or find out more about how we support family members by browsing our retirement living advice for families pages.
The bottom line
When it comes to financial support in retirement, assumptions can be expensive.
Whether you're planning a move, reviewing your finances or could do with extra money to spend on anything from service charges to sunny holidays, it's worth checking what support might be available. You may discover you’re entitled to far more money than you think.
