Benefits and money advice
State Pension age benefits
Find out what benefits you may qualify for if you're of State Pension age
Your State Pension age is the age you can start to receive your basic State Pension. It differs depending on your gender and year of birth so check your State Pension age online.
Changes to couples benefits
If you have a partner, you may have a different State Pension age to them. If this sounds like you, then take professional advice on what the best benefits are for you. Rules around couples where there's an age gap changed on 15 May 2019, so the information here may not be relevant to you.
If you're of State Pension age there are some benefits you may qualify for, but not be aware of:
Pension Credit
There are two types of Pension Credit:
1. Guaranteed Pension Credit
Guaranteed Pension Credit tops-up your income to £177.10 for a single person or £270.30 for a couple.
It's an income-based benefit, so to be eligible to claim you need to have a low income.
Receiving Guaranteed Pension Credit could have a big impact on your finances because by qualifying for it you will also be entitled to:
- Housing Benefit
- Council Tax reduction
- Warm Home Discount
- A free TV licence if you're aged 75 or over
- Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments
So, even if you only qualify for a smal Guaranteed Pension Credit it can both reduce your out-goings and give you more disposable income.
2. Savings Pension Credit
If you were of State Pension age before 6 April 2016 and have savings or a private pension, then you could qualify for this benefit.
If you qualify, you may be eligible for up to £13.97 for a single person or £15.62 for a couple, every week.
Attendance Allowance
Attendance Allowance helps with extra costs if you have a disability severe enough that you need someone to help look after you.
It's not income-based, so if you have care needs you may be entitled regardless of your income.
To find out more visit:
However, if you receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP) claiming Attendance Allowance will stop your PIP. So, please take professional advice before considering this.
To find out what you might be entitled to:
- use our free benefit calculator
- call 0345 141 4663 and ask to speak with our Financial Inclusion team
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