Even though the rate of inflation is coming down, we’re still facing a cost-of-living crisis where people are struggling to make ends to meet – especially pensioners on a fixed income.
Many pensioners in the UK are missing out on valuable State benefits each year because they don’t know they’re entitled to make a claim. In addition to this, did you know the 91热爆 Financial Assistance Fund may be able to help eligible former employees through unexpected hardship? Below is a collection of resources you may find useful if you’re in need of some financial support.
91热爆 Financial Assistance Fund
Formerly the 91热爆 Benevolent Fund
If you’re a former 91热爆 employee facing unexpected hardship, the 91热爆 Financial Assistance Fund may be able to help you with a one-off grant. To apply for a grant, simply complete the form online (you may need to provide copies of your latest pension payslip and evidence of the unexpected expenditure). To find out more, visit
If you have any questions about the Fund or need help completing the form, please call us on 0303 081 2848.
State benefits
If you’re over State pension age, you may be entitled to certain benefits, services and support to help you, regardless of whether you live alone or with someone else, own your own home or have savings.
If you think you or someone you know might be entitled to State benefits, you can use this online benefits calculator to find out what you could claim by visiting . It’s free to use and takes about ten minutes to complete.
Some of the key benefits you might be able to claim include:
• Pension Credit – tops up your weekly income if it’s below £201.05 for a single person or £306.85 for a couple. Pension Credit also unlocks a number of other benefits, such as a free TV licence, so it’s worthwhile claiming it if you’re eligible. You can find out more by visiting .
• Council tax discount – if you’re the only adult living in your household, you’re entitled to a 25% reduction regardless of your income.
• Attendance allowance – if you need long-term help with personal care because of a physical or mental disability, you may be eligible or attendance allowance. You can claim this even if no one is actually giving you the care and you live alone. If you do have someone caring for you, they could also claim carer’s allowance.
Other benefits you could be entitled to as a pensioner include:
• free eye tests – for anyone aged over 60
• free prescriptions – for anyone aged over 60
• free bus travel – in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and London. In England, you’re entitled to a free bus pass at State pension age.
You can find out more about any of the above benefits by searching for them on the website.
Winter fuel payment
This is a government payment to help you pay your heating bills. You qualify for the winter fuel payment if you were born before 25 September 1957 and you have lived in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week of 18 to 24 September. It’s worth up to £600. See if you can claim it and learn how it works at .
Cold weather payment
You could receive £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March if you’re receiving other government benefits, such as Pension Credit. If you’re eligible for these payments, you’ll receive them automatically.
Claim credits for babysitting
If you’re under State pension age and look after grandchildren, you could be missing out on valuable National Insurance (NI) credits. The scheme means that parents can return to work and allow a grandparent to receive NI credits for looking after their child under the age of 12. The NI credits count towards your State pension and are particularly valuable if you don’t have a full NI record and are therefore due to receive less than a full State pension. You’ll need to complete form CA9176 at
Turn2us
Turn2us is a national charity that provides practical information and support to people facing income shocks and financial insecurity. Their user-friendly website can signpost you to resources like benefits calculators and charitable grants search tools, or even where to find a local adviser or advice centre. Simply visit .
Grab a bargain with any of these savings
You could save money on travel or days out through any of the following:
• Enjoy 25% off National Trust membership if you’re over 60 and have been a National Trust member for three consecutive years; English Heritage also offers a concession for the over-60s.
• Travel light with 1/3 off rail fares using a Senior Railcard.
• Vue, Showcase and Odeon cinemas offer discounted screenings for those over 60 – often with a hot drink and a biscuit included.
• Take a trip to the theatre with a discounted senior ticket.
Useful websites
There are lots of websites with information that could help you better manage your finances:
• MoneyHelper is a free government service that offers guidance on money, pensions and debt. They have a page dedicated to managing your money in uncertain times, which you can visit here .
• Money Saving Expert gives lots of tips and ideas, including how to save money on your bills.
• Age UK offers particular help for older people, including benefits you can claim to ease the pressure.
• Citizens Advice can help you if you’re facing problems such as debt.
• Help for Households is a new government website that sets out what support is available across the UK to help with the cost of living.