Did you know that over-60s are entitled to certain elderly benefits? Those who are on lower incomes, particularly, may be entitled to more. In this guide we show you the types of elderly benefits that over-60s might be eligible for, helping you save money.
Pension Credit
One elderly benefit someone over 60 may be eligible for is Pension Credit. Pension Credit is for those of state pension age, and aims to help pensioners who have lower incomes.
Pension Credit is an income-related benefit designed to offer support with the cost of living. Receiving pension credit tops up your weekly income to £201.05 if you are single, and £306.85 if you have a partner. Extra allowances can be added if you receive attendance allowance or PIP.
You may also be eligible for savings credit, and could receive up to an additional £17.84 per week.
If you're eligible for pension credit there's a handy calculator online which can estimate how much you are likely to receive. The number to contact to apply for this benefit is 0800 99 1234, but make sure you check all the FAQS online before applying.
Read More: Pension Credit
NHS Low Income Scheme
Another one of the elderly benefits you can claim for if you're in your later years is the NHS low income scheme. If you have a low income, the NHS Low Income Scheme could help you pay for:
- NHS prescription charges
- NHS dental treatment charges
- the cost of sight tests, glasses, and contact lenses
- the cost of travelling to receive NHS treatment
- NHS wigs and fabric supports (check with your hospital for their arrangements for supplying NHS wigs)
Source: NHS
The amount of help you’re entitled to depends on your household income and outgoings. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one. If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme.
This is a great scheme for anyone that is struggling to pay for health checks, pills, and other healthcare related costs. To find out more about this scheme, head to the NHS low income scheme dedicated website.
Attendance Allowance
Anyone over the age of 65 who lives with a physical or mental disability is entitled to Attendance Allowance, which goes towards personal care. The amount received is based on the level of care that the individual requires. If care needs are quite substantial the individual can also apply for Carer's Allowance.
Read More: Attendance Allowance
Carer's Allowance
If you are providing care to a loved one for at least 35 hours a week, you may be eligible for Carer's Allowance. This benefit supplements your income at a rate of £76.75 per week. To receive Carer's Allowance, the person you are caring for must be receiving Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment.
Read More: Carer's Allowance
Personal Independence Payment
PIP is for anyone who lives with a disability and needs help paying for mobility and care costs. The amount received depends on how badly the condition affects the individual.
It's available for anyone aged 16-64, and you could get up to £172.75 a week. In order to obtain this payment, a healthcare professional needs to make an assessment on the person who is wishing to claim.
Read More: Personal Independence Payment
Universal Credit
This benefit is gradually replacing many other benefits across the country. If you are eligible to apply, you will be provided with a monthly allowance to support you with living costs. Additional supplements are then added depending on your needs.
For a single adult over 25, the standard allowance is £368.74 per month. Applicants with a disability can receive an additional £390.06 every month.
Read More: Universal Credit
Winter Fuel Allowance
Staying warm is extremely important for the elderly. It's been recognised that people on smaller pensions can sometimes struggle to stay on top of heating bills. This can result in a homeowner turning the heating off in cold times to try and save money.
Fortunately, the government has a Winter Fuel Allowance scheme in place. It entitles people over pension age to claim money which helps towards heating bills. Depending on your circumstances, you could receive between £250 and £600.
You’ll qualify for a Winter Fuel Allowance if:
- You were born on or before 25th September 1957 (for winter 2023 to 2024 – this date changes every year).
- You lived in the UK for at least a day in the week of 18 to 24 September 2023 (known as the qualifying week).
To find out more about Winter Fuel Allowance and how to claim, head to the government website.
Careline Personal Alarms
If yourself or someone you know lives with a mobility disability, is elderly, or wants extra reassurance at home, they might want to get a Careline personal alarm. If you have any eligible conditions, you might be able to get one of our alarms at a VAT exempt price – more than 90% of our customers do.
To find out more about our lifesaving alarms and VAT, take a moment to visit our website or to give our friendly team a call on 0800 030 8777. Alternatively you can complete our Contact Us form.
