What benefits can pensioners claim?

What benefits are pensioners entitled to?

From Winter Fuel Payments to a free TV Licence, Council Tax reductions to Pension Credit, there are a number of benefits that are specifically aimed at older people. In this article we list the main benefits that pensioners can claim in England and outline the eligibility criteria and where to apply. 

Five benefits a pensioner can claim to help pay bills

If you’ve stopped working and are adapting to a reduced income, managing household bills can become a bit more of a challenge. This section covers five benefits a pensioner can claim to help pay the bills.

1. Winter Fuel Payment

People born before the 23rd September 1958 might be eligible for help to pay heating bills. This ‘Winter Fuel Payment’ is usually given automatically to people who receive certain means tested benefits—you should receive a letter in October or November to say you’re getting the payment. The payment itself is paid in November or December. You can find out more about Winter Fuel Payments on the Government website.

2. Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit is designed to help people on a low income to pay rent. In most cases it is being replaced by Universal Credit unless you’re old enough to receive the State Pension or live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. You can find out more about Housing Benefit on the Government website and more about renting for the over 60s with McCarthy Stone.

3.  Free TV licence

Once you’re 75 you could get a free TV licence if you receive Pension Credit or live with a partner who gets Pension Credit. Find out more on the Government website.

4. Warm Home Discount

This benefit gives you a £150 discount off your electricity bill (or potentially your gas bill if you’re a dual fuel customer). You’ll usually get the discount automatically applied to your bill if you’re eligible. Find out more about the Warm Home Discount on the Government website.

5. Council Tax Reduction

If you’re on a low income, claim benefits or meet other eligibility criteria, you can apply to your local council for a Council Tax Reduction of up to 100%. In certain situations you can get a discount that isn't means tested, for instance, if you live alone and/or if you have a physical or mental disability. For example, if you use a wheelchair indoors you can claim a 'band' reduction. Find out more about how to apply for a Council Tax Reduction on the Government website.

Three benefits a pensioner can claim to help boost income

As well as entitlements that lower bills, there are other benefits for pensioners that are designed to supplement a lower income. Here we reveal three benefits a pensioner can claim to help boost their finances.

1. Pension Credit

If you’re over State Pension age and on a low income you could be eligible for Pension Credit to help with things like service charges. You can get Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home, and receiving it makes you eligible for a raft of other benefits including things like the Warm House Discount and reduced Council Tax. Find out more about Pension Credit on the Government website.

2. Shopping and leisure discounts

Over 60s can claim discounts and incentives at a surprising range of retail and leisure outlets such as B&Q, the Odeon cinemas, Iceland supermarkets, Boots the Chemist, the National Trust and English Heritage. It's always worth asking your local gym, theatre and tourist attraction what they can offer.

3. Cheaper travel

As your get older you’ll become eligible for cheaper travel on public transport. Over 60s for instance can buy a rail card which gives them 30% off train travel and in London you can claim free bus and tube travel within the city from the age of 60. Different areas have differing travel schemes, so it’s worth checking with your local council. When you reach State Pension age—currently 66— in England, you're eligible for an older persons bus pass for free travel up and down and country. 

Five benefits a pensioner can claim for health and well being

Looking after your health becomes increasingly important as you age, so make sure you make the most of the help and support on offer. In this final section we look at five benefits designed to support pensioners with their health and wellbeing.

1. Attendance Allowance

Attendance Allowance is a tax free weekly payment for people who claim the State Pension and need support at home with personal care tasks due to a disability or illness, for instance sight loss or arthritis. Attendance Allowance is not means tested yet many people don’t claim it despite being eligible. Read Aleks’s advice on how to claim Attendance Allowance.

2. Carer’s Allowance

Carer’s Allowance is very complicated to claim and is designed for people of working age, however in some instances it is worth claiming as a pensioner. It’s aimed at people that regularly look after someone for at least 35 hours a week. The allowance is worth £81.90 a week and can be backdated for three months. Claiming it can affect other benefits (positively or negatively) and you should always get advice from an expert Benefits Advisor before you apply. Read Aleks’s guide to Carer’s Allowance.

3. Free prescriptions

Being over 60 entitles you to free prescriptions on the NHS. If you’re on a low income you may also qualify for help with dental costs, contact lenses and glasses or travel to appointments. Take the NHS test to find out what help you could get with costs.

4. Free eye tests

It is important to look after your eyesight as you get older and regular eye tests are a must. Once you reach 60, you’re entitled to free eye tests – just ask your optician.

5. Free flu jabs

Over 65’s and younger people with health concerns are entitled to a free flu jab every winter to protect them against this potentially nasty seasonal bug.

Reduce your costs of living with McCarthy Stone

For most of us, financially planning for retirement means learning how to budget and stick to a fixed income from a pension or savings. Reducing your cost of living is one option —downsizing to a  beautiful, modern, energy efficient McCarthy Stone Retirement Living or Retirement Living PLUS apartment can reduce living costs in multiple ways including helping you to save on energy bills. Ask our friendly consultants about our range of budget-friendly options, from retirement rentals to Older Persons Shared Ownership, that make moving into our communities a breeze whatever your financial circumstances. 

Search for a retirement home near you now, call a friendly member of the team on 0800 201 4811 or message us online.