Entitlements Advice

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If you are a woman aged 60 or over, or a man aged 65 or over, you should claim any State Retirement Pension you are entitled to.

Contact: The Pension Service Helpline 0845 6060265
The Pension Service - State Pension

Introduced in October 2003, Pension Credit has two parts, – the Guarantee Credit and the Savings Credit, which provide extra cash for people aged 60 and over, who have made modest savings for their retirement. Some people are eligible for both parts while others may receive only one.

If your income is less than £119.05 a week for a single person or £181.70 for a couple, plus additional amounts allowed because you are a carer, severely disabled or have eligible housing costs, you will receive the guarantee credit up to this level.

Nearly half of all pensioners are eligible, so even if you’re not sure whether you are entitled, it can do no harm to put in a claim anyway.

Contact: The Pension Credit Helpline 0800 991 234
The Pension Service - Pension Credit

Also see: Pension Credit: What it is and how to claim (.pdf)
Produced by the Welfare Rights Team at Leicestershire County Council

The Government makes Winter Fuel Payments to people aged 60 and over to help with the cost of keeping warm in winter. The minimum payment is £200 per household.

If you receive a State Pension or other benefits (excluding Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit) you should get your Winter Fuel Payment automatically.

If you are aged 60 or over and are not receiving any state benefits – you will need to make a claim.

Contact: The Winter Fuel Payment Helpline 08459 151 515
The Pension Service - Winter Fuel Payments

Also see: Keep Warm in Winter Guide
Guide produced by the Department of Health, other information produced by Leicestershire County Council.

If you need help paying for heating and insulation improvements in your privately owned or rented home, you, your partner or civil partner may be able to get money from the government's Warm Front grants scheme. Grants range up to £2,700 - or up to £4,000 if your home needs oil central heating.

People over 60 who are receiving Pension Credit or disability-related benefits.

Attendance Allowances a benefit for people aged 65 or over who have a physical or mental health problem and need help or supervision with personal care, for example, dressing or washing. It is not income or savings based, it is based on the help you NEED. This benefit does not reduce any other benefits. It is a tax free cash payment.

People aged 65 or over who meet the specific care or supervision conditions set out by the Department for Work and Pensions. You can still claim Attendance Allowance even if you live alone. Fill in this Freepost questionnaire to see whether you, or someone you know, might be entitled.

Contact: The Pension Service Helpline on 0845 60 60 265
DirectGov - Attendance Allowance

Also see: Attendance Allowance: What is it and how to claim (.pdf) and Attendance Allowance: Help with completing the claim forms (.pdf)
Produced by the Welfare Rights Team at Leicestershire County Council
Also see: Direct Payments Scheme

Is a benefit for people who are caring for a severely disabled person. The benefit is not dependent on having paid NI contributions, but it is taxable. Do note that in some situations the person you care for could lose money if you start to receive Carer’s Allowance.

People who provide at least 35 hours a week of care for someone who receives Attendance Allowance or the top or middle rate care part of Disability Living Allowance.

The benefit cannot be paid if you are already receiving a state pension of more than £48.65 but you should still claim as this may increase your Pension Credit, Housing benefit or Council Tax benefit.

Contact: The Benefit Enquiry Line 0800 882 200
DirectGov - Carer's Allowance

Also see: All Benefits for Carers (.pdf)
Produced by the Welfare Rights Team at Leicestershire County Council
Also see: Direct Payments Scheme

Housing Benefit provides help towards rent. Council Tax Benefit can reduce the amount of council tax you pay. How much you receive is dependent upon factors including income, savings, the level of rent and council tax. For people receiving Pension Credit Guarantee, these benefits can cover all their rent and council tax; others can get some help to reduce these bills.

If you can get Pension Credit and pay rent and/or council tax you will normally also be entitled to these benefits. If you don’t receive Pension Credit but have no more than £16,000 in savings, you may still receive some Housing and/or Council Tax Benefit.

Contact: Your local District Council or your local Age Concern office (0116 2992233) may also be able to help

Also see: Easy to Use Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit Calculation Tool
Also see: Council Tax and Benefits (including information about valuation bands, exemptions and discounts)
Leicestershire County Council - Council Tax and Benefits