People who are over state pension age often do not claim the benefits they are entitled to. This might be because they assume they are not eligible, they do not know what additional help is available to them or they are reluctant to claim benefits. It is particularly important that people in this age group are encouraged to check their benefit entitlement and make a claim where appropriate.
In addition to the help outlined below, people over state pension age may also be entitled to Winter Fuel Payments and to free public transport.
You might be eligible for Pension Credit to top up your income if you are over state pension age.
Pension Credit can be awarded even if you have other income, a pension, savings or own your own home.
Even a small award of Pension Credit can provide access to a wide range of other benefits.
If you get Pension Credit, you can get help with:
- Housing costs
- A free TV licence if you are over 75
- Dental treatment
- Glasses
- Transport costs to and from hospital
- Heating costs
You will also automatically receive cold weather payments and qualify for the cost of living support package too.
If you are awarded Pension Credit, you can also receive extra payments to help if you have a severe disability, you care for someone else or you are responsible for a child or young person.
You can use the online Pension Credit calculator to work out how much Pension Credit you could get:
For more information on Pension Credit and how to apply, visit:
If you are over state pension age and you have had a health condition or disability for at least six months, you might be eligible for Attendance Allowance.
To be eligible for Attendance Allowance, your health condition or disability must impact on you in such a way that you require help with your personal care. This might be help with dressing, eating, toileting or communicating your needs or supervision from another person to keep yourself safe. You might also be eligible if you need someone to accompany you to dialysis.
Attendance Allowance is not means-tested, which means you might be eligible even if you own your own home and/or receive a private pension.
Recipients of Attendance Allowance are eligible for the £150 cost of living support payment.
For further information and how to apply, visit:
If you, and your partner if you have one, are over state pension age, you might be eligible for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief.
For more information and how to apply, visit:
If you are aged 70 or over, live alone and pay rates, you might be eligible for a 20 per cent discount on your rates bill.
You can get the discount even if you do not live alone, if the person who lives with you is your carer or someone you care for because they are under 18 or have a health condition or disability.
You must pay your rates while your application is being assessed. If your application is successful, you will be refunded the amount that you have overpaid.
Awards of Lone Pensioner Allowance are not means-tested and do not affect entitlement to benefits.
If you are a tenant, application for Lone Pensioner Allowance is to the Housing Executive. If you are an owner or occupier, you should apply to the Land and Property Services.
For more information on Lone Pensioner Allowance and how to apply, visit:
You are likely to be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment if you were born on or before 25 September 1956. Payments range from £250 to £600.
If you are eligible, you will usually get Winter Fuel Payment automatically. This year, you will receive £300 on top of your usual payment as part of the Government’s cost of living support package.
If you do not get paid automatically, but you think you are eligible, contact the:
The deadline for making a claim for winter 2022/23 is 31 March 2023.
