Help for people of pension age

Remember that if you are still working, the benefits in the Help for people of working age| section are also relevant to you. Your entitlements will also differ if you receive a war Pension or financial support from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme - ask a welfare rights adviser| what this means for you.

• State Retirement Pension
  The State Pension changed in April 2010. This means more people now qualify for a full basic State Pension.
• Pension Credit
  Pension Credit is a means tested benefit for people over 60.
• Attendance Allowance
  This benefit is for people aged 65 or over who have difficulty looking after themselves.
   

Case study - Annabel’s story

Annabel is 67 and lives alone. She was diagnosed with bladder cancer eight months ago and, since then, she has found it increasingly difficult to look after herself.

The cancer and its treatment brought many new expenses such as fares to hospital and extra bedding. She also needed new clothing due to incontinence caused by the treatment.

Annabel’s income was £107.45 a week from basic State Pension and she was worried about all the expenses.

Annabel spoke to a welfare rights adviser and learned that she was entitled to the following:

• Pension Credit (guarantee element), worth an extra £35.25.
• An amount for severe disability added to her Pension Credit worth an extra £58.20.
• Attendance Allowance (lower rate) worth an extra £51.85.
• Council Tax Benefit amount depending on Annabel’s personal circumstances.

Annabel’s income increased from £107.45 to £252.75 when she was awarded Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. The guarantee element of Pension Credit also gives Annabel help towards fares to and from hospital. By finding out what she was entitled to, Annabel increased her income and greatly reduced her stress so that she could concentrate on her treatment and recovery.

Annabel's weekly income before and after she received benefits.
See a large version of the diagram|.