Key Takeaway Box
- There are a range of UK senior benefits, such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Winter Fuel Payments, and more.
- These benefits can help with living costs, heating bills, health care, and other expenses.
- To claim these benefits, you need to check your eligibility, apply online or by phone, and provide evidence of your income and circumstances.
- Some benefits are means-tested, which means they depend on your income and savings. Others are not affected by your income or savings.
- You can use online tools such as the Benefits Calculator¹ or the State Pension Calculator² to find out what benefits you are entitled to and how much you could get.
Introduction
Are you over 60 and living in the UK? If so, you may be eligible for a variety of benefits that can help you with your living costs, heating bills, health care, and other expenses. These benefits are designed to support seniors who have low income, disabilities, health conditions, or caring responsibilities.
In this article, we will explain what benefits you can claim as a senior in the UK, how to apply for them, and how much you could get. We will also provide some useful links and resources to help you find out more.
We will cover the following benefits:
- Pension Credit or State Pension
- Free TV licence
- Reduction of council taxes
- Winter Fuel Payments
- Cold Weather Payment
- Health benefits
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance
- Bereavement benefits
We will also give you some latest news and concluding words on UK senior benefits.
So, let’s get started!
UK Senior Benefits | Pension Credit or State Pension
The first benefit we will look at is Pension Credit. Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit that tops up your income if you are over State Pension age and have a low income. It has two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.
- Guarantee Credit ensures that your weekly income is at least £177.10 for single people or £270.30 for couples³.
- Savings Credit is an extra payment for people who have some savings or income above the basic State Pension. It can be up to £14.04 for single people or £15.71 for couples³.
To qualify for Pension Credit, you must live in the UK and have reached State Pension age. You can check your State Pension age online⁴. You can also check how much Pension Credit you could get by using the Pension Credit Calculator⁵.
To apply for Pension Credit, you can call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 or apply online. You will need to provide details of your income, savings, and expenses. You may also need to send some evidence, such as bank statements or bills.
Pension Credit can also help you get other benefits, such as Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, free NHS prescriptions, and free TV licence. We will talk more about these benefits later.
If you are not eligible for Pension Credit, you may still get the State Pension, which is a regular payment from the government based on your National Insurance contributions. The full new State Pension is £179.60 per week, but the amount you get may vary depending on your personal circumstances. You can check your State Pension online² to find out how much you could get, when you can get it, and how to increase it.
To claim the State Pension, you need to be within 4 months of your State Pension age and have at least 10 years of qualifying National Insurance contributions. You can claim the State Pension online, by phone, or by post. You will need to provide your National Insurance number, bank account details, and some personal information.
UK Senior Benefits | Free TV licence
The next benefit we will discuss is the free TV licence. A TV licence is a legal requirement for anyone who watches or records live TV or uses BBC iPlayer. The annual cost of a TV licence is £159, but you can get it for free if you meet certain criteria.
To get a free TV licence, you must be 75 or over and, you or your partner, get Pension Credit. If you do not get Pension Credit, you will have to pay for your TV licence. However, you may be able to get a discounted TV licence if you are in residential care or sheltered accommodation. You can check if you are eligible for a free or discounted TV licence online.
To apply for a free TV licence, you need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. You also need to provide proof of your Pension Credit, such as a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can apply for a free TV licence online, by phone, or by post.
If you already have a TV licence and you become eligible for a free one, you can contact TV Licensing to get a refund for any overpayments. You can also cancel your direct debit or payment plan if you have one.
IMPORTANT LINKS:
- What Expenses Can You Deduct from Your Rental Income? (Updated 2024)
- How to Get Your EITC Refund Faster in 2024
- CPP, RRSP, TFSA, FHSA, AMT and OAS Changes: What You Need to Know for 2024
- What Happens to Your CPP and OAS Benefits When Your Spouse Dies?
- How to Get the Grocery Rebate Payments in Canada in January 2024
UK Senior Benefits | Reduction of council taxes
Another benefit that can help you save money is the reduction of council taxes. Council tax is a local tax that you pay to your local authority to fund services such as rubbish collection, street lighting, and social care. The amount of council tax you pay depends on the value of your property and the number of people who live there. However, you may be able to get a discount or exemption if you meet certain conditions.
To get a reduction of council taxes, you need to apply to your local council. You can find your local council online. The criteria and the amount of reduction vary depending on where you live, but some common factors are:
- Your income and savings
- Your Pension Credit status
- Your disability or health condition
- Your caring responsibilities
- The number of adults in your household
- The type of property you live in
For example, you may get a 25% discount if you live alone or with someone who is not counted for council tax, such as a student, a carer, or a person with a severe mental impairment. You may also get a 50% discount if you live with someone who is severely disabled and your property has certain features, such as an extra bathroom or a wheelchair ramp. You may even get a 100% exemption if your property is unoccupied or uninhabitable.
To apply for a reduction of council taxes, you need to contact your local council and provide evidence of your income, savings, benefits, and personal circumstances. You may also need to fill in an application form or a questionnaire. You can apply for a reduction of council taxes online, by phone, or by post.
UK Senior Benefits | Winter Fuel Payments
The next benefit we will look at is the Winter Fuel Payments. Winter Fuel Payments are annual payments from the government to help you pay for your heating bills in the winter. They are not affected by your income or savings, and you do not have to pay tax on them.
To qualify for Winter Fuel Payments, you must be born on or before 5 October 1954 and live in the UK for at least one day during the qualifying week, which is usually in September. The amount you get depends on your age and whether you live alone or with someone who also qualifies. The table below shows the rates for 2023/24:
| Your situation | Winter Fuel Payment |
|---|---|
| You qualify and live alone (or none of the people you live with qualify) | £200 |
| You qualify and get one of the benefits listed below* | £300 |
| You live with someone under 80 who also qualifies | £100 |
| You live with someone 80 or over who also qualifies | £150 |
| You live in a care home and do not get one of the benefits listed below* | £100 |
The benefits are: Pension Credit, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), or income support.
To claim Winter Fuel Payments, you do not need to do anything if you already get the State Pension or another benefit (except Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Child Benefit, or Universal Credit). You will get the payment automatically between November and December. You should get a letter telling you how much you will get and when.
If you do not get the State Pension or another benefit, you need to make a claim by phone or by post. You will need to provide your National Insurance number, bank account details, and some personal information. You can claim Winter Fuel Payments online or by calling the Winter Fuel Payment Centre on 0800 731 0160.
You only need to claim once. After that, you will get the payment automatically every year, as long as your circumstances do not change. If your circumstances do change, such as your address, your bank account, or your living situation, you need to report it to the Winter Fuel Payment Centre as soon as possible.
UK Senior Benefits | Cold Weather Payment
Another benefit that can help you with your heating bills is the Cold Weather Payment. Cold Weather Payments are extra payments from the government when the temperature in your area is very low. They are not affected by your income or savings, and you do not have to pay tax on them.
To qualify for Cold Weather Payments, you must get one of the following benefits:
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
The amount you get is £25 for each 7-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. Very cold weather means that the average temperature in your area is either zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 consecutive days, or is forecast to be by the Met Office.
To claim Cold Weather Payments, you do not need to do anything if you already get one of the benefits listed above. You will get the payment automatically within 14 working days of the end of the cold weather period. You can check if your area is due a payment online.
If you do not get any of the benefits listed above, you cannot get Cold Weather Payments. However, you may be able to get other help with your heating costs, such as the Warm Home Discount Scheme or a grant from a charitable fund.
UK Senior Benefits | Health benefits
The next benefit we will look at is the health benefits. Health benefits are free or reduced-cost services and products that you can get from the NHS or other providers to help you with your health and well-being. Some of the health benefits you may be entitled to are:
- Free NHS prescriptions
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Free NHS eye tests
- Free NHS wigs and fabric supports
- Free NHS travel costs
- Free or discounted glasses or contact lenses
- Free or discounted hearing aids
- Free or discounted home adaptations
To qualify for health benefits, you must meet certain criteria, such as your age, your income, your benefits, your health condition, or your disability. The table below shows some of the common criteria for health benefits:
| Health benefit | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Free NHS prescriptions | You are 60 or over, or you get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or you have a valid medical exemption certificate, or you have a specified medical condition |
| Free NHS dental treatment | You are 60 or over, or you get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or you have a valid HC2 certificate, or you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months |
| Free NHS eye tests | You are 60 or over, or you get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or you have a valid HC2 certificate, or you have a diagnosed eye condition, or you are registered blind or partially sighted |
| Free NHS wigs and fabric supports | You get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or you have a valid HC2 certificate, or you have a specified medical condition |
| Free NHS travel costs | You get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or you have a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate, or you have a specified medical condition, or you are referred by your GP for approved treatment |
| Free or discounted glasses or contact lenses | You get Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or you have a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate, or you have a complex prescription, or you are registered blind or partially sighted |
| Free or discounted hearing aids | You get your hearing aids from the NHS, or you have a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate, or you are eligible for a grant from a charitable fund |
| Free or discounted home adaptations | You get a grant from your local council, such as a Disabled Facilities Grant, or you are eligible for a grant from a charitable fund |
To apply for health benefits, you need to show proof of your eligibility, such as your benefit letter, your exemption certificate, or your HC2 or HC3 certificate. You can get an HC2 or HC3 certificate by filling in an HC1 form and sending it to the NHS. You can get an HC1 form online, by phone, or from your GP, dentist, optician, or hospital.
If you are not sure if you qualify for health benefits, you can use the NHS Help with Health Costs Checker to find out. You can also call the NHS Help with Health Costs helpline on 0300 330 1343 for more information.
UK Senior Benefits | Attendance Allowance
Another benefit that can help you with your health and well-being is the Attendance Allowance. Attendance Allowance is a tax-free benefit that helps you pay for extra care or support if you have a disability or a health condition that affects your daily living. It is not affected by your income or savings, and you do not have to spend it on care or support.
To qualify for Attendance Allowance, you must be 65 or over and have a physical or mental disability or a health condition that makes it hard for you to do everyday tasks, such as dressing, washing, eating, or moving around. You must also have had these difficulties for at least 6 months, unless you are terminally ill. You must also live in the UK and have been living in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years, unless you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection status.
The amount you get depends on how much help you need. There are two rates of Attendance Allowance: the lower rate and the higher rate. The table below shows the rates for 2023/24:
| Rate | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Lower rate | £60.00 per week | You need frequent help or supervision during the day, or supervision at night |
| Higher rate | £89.60 per week | You need help or supervision throughout both day and night, or you are terminally ill |
To apply for Attendance Allowance, you need to fill in an AA1A form and send it to the DWP. You can get an AA1A form online, by phone, or from your local Jobcentre Plus. You will need to provide details of your disability or health condition, your medication, your treatment, your care or support needs, and your personal information. You may also need to send some evidence, such as a letter from your doctor or a care plan.
You can apply for Attendance Allowance at any time, but it is best to apply as soon as you need help. You can get backdated payments from the date you apply, or from 3 months before if you are terminally ill. You can also get an advance payment if you are terminally ill and need money urgently.
Attendance Allowance can also help you get other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, or Carer’s Allowance. We will talk more about these benefits later.
UK Senior Benefits | Carer’s Allowance
The next benefit we will look at is the Carer’s Allowance. Carer’s Allowance is a benefit for people who care for someone who has a disability or a health condition. It is not affected by your savings, but it may affect your income and other benefits.
To qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are 16 or over
- You spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets a qualifying benefit, such as Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payment
- You are not in full-time education or studying for more than 21 hours a week
- You earn less than £128 a week after tax and expenses
- You live in the UK and have been living in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years, unless you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection status
The amount you get is £67.60 per week, but it may be reduced if you get other benefits, such as the State Pension or Universal Credit. You can check how Carer’s Allowance affects your other benefits online.
To apply for Carer’s Allowance, you need to fill in a DS700 form and send it to the DWP. You can get a DS700 form online, by phone, or from your local Jobcentre Plus. You will need to provide details of the person you care for, their qualifying benefit, your income, your education, your nationality, and your personal information. You may also need to send some evidence, such as a payslip or a bank statement.
You can apply for Carer’s Allowance at any time, but it is best to apply as soon as you start caring for someone. You can get backdated payments from the date you apply, or from the date the person you care for started getting their qualifying benefit, whichever is later.
Carer’s Allowance can also help you get other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, or a Carer Premium. We will talk more about these benefits later.
UK Senior Benefits | Disability Living Allowance
Another benefit that can help you with your disability or health condition is the Disability Living Allowance (DLA). DLA is a tax-free benefit that helps you with the extra costs of having a disability or a health condition. It is not affected by your income or savings, and you do not have to spend it on specific things.
To qualify for DLA, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are under 65
- You have a physical or mental disability or a health condition that affects your mobility or your personal care
- You have had these difficulties for at least 3 months, unless you are terminally ill
- You are likely to have these difficulties for at least 6 months, unless you are terminally ill
- You live in the UK and have been living in the UK for at least 2 of the last 3 years, unless you are a refugee or have humanitarian protection status
The amount you get depends on how your disability or health condition affects you. There are two components of DLA: the mobility component and the care component. Each component has two rates: the lower rate and
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the higher rate. The table below shows the rates for 2023/24:
| Component | Rate | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Lower | £23.70 per week | You have some difficulty walking or going out alone |
| Mobility | Higher | £62.55 per week | You are unable or virtually unable to walk, or you are severely sight impaired, or you are severely mentally impaired and get the highest rate of the care component |
| Care | Lower | £23.70 per week | You need help with personal care for some of the day or night |
| Care | Higher | £89.60 per week | You need help with personal care throughout both day and night, or you are terminally ill |
To apply for DLA, you need to fill in a DLA1A form and send it to the DWP. You can get a DLA1A form online, by phone, or from your local Jobcentre Plus. You will need to provide details of your disability or health condition, your medication, your treatment, your mobility, your personal care, and your personal information. You may also need to send some evidence, such as a letter from your doctor or a care plan.
You can apply for DLA at any time, but it is best to apply as soon as you have difficulties with your mobility or personal care. You can get backdated payments from the date you apply, or from 3 months before if you are terminally ill. You can also get an advance payment if you are terminally ill and need money urgently.
DLA can also help you get other benefits, such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, or Carer’s Allowance. We will talk more about these benefits later.
UK Senior Benefits | Bereavement benefits
The last benefit we will look at is the bereavement benefits. Bereavement benefits are benefits that you can get if your spouse or civil partner dies. They can help you cope with the financial impact of losing your partner. There are three types of bereavement benefits:
- Bereavement Support Payment
- Bereavement Allowance
- Widowed Parent’s Allowance
Bereavement Support Payment is a lump sum payment followed by 18 monthly payments. It is not affected by your income or savings, and you do not have to pay tax on it. To qualify for Bereavement Support Payment, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are under State Pension age
- Your spouse or civil partner died in the last 21 months
- Your spouse or civil partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks, or they died because of an accident or disease caused by their work
- You live in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
The amount you get depends on whether you have children under 16 or not. The table below shows the rates for 2023/24:
| Your situation | Lump sum | Monthly payment |
|---|---|---|
| You have children under 16 | £3,500 | £350 |
| You do not have children under 16 | £2,500 | £100 |
To apply for Bereavement Support Payment, you need to fill in a BSP1 form and send it to the DWP. You can get a BSP1 form online, by phone, or from your local Jobcentre Plus. You will need to provide details of your spouse or civil partner, their death, their National Insurance number, your income, your children, and your personal information. You may also need to send some evidence, such as a death certificate or a marriage certificate.
You can apply for Bereavement Support Payment at any time within 21 months of your spouse or civil partner’s death, but it is best to apply as soon as possible. You can get backdated payments from the date of death, or from the date you apply, whichever is later.
Bereavement Allowance is a weekly payment for up to 52 weeks. It is affected by your income and savings, and you have to pay tax on it. To qualify for Bereavement Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are 45 or over, but under State Pension age
- Your spouse or civil partner died before 6 April 2017
- You are not entitled to Widowed Parent’s Allowance
- You are not remarried or living with a new partner
- Your spouse or civil partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks, or they died because of an accident or disease caused by their work
- You live in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
The amount you get depends on your age and your spouse or civil partner’s National Insurance contributions. The table below shows the rates for 2023/24:
| Your age | Weekly amount |
|---|---|
| 45 | £39.60 |
| 46 | £47.52 |
| 47 | £55.44 |
| 48 | £63.36 |
| 49 | £71.28 |
| 50 | £79.20 |
| 51 | £87.12 |
| 52 | £95.04 |
| 53 | £102.96 |
| 54 | £110.88 |
| 55 | £118.80 |
| 56 | £126.72 |
| 57 | £134.64 |
| 58 | £142.56 |
| 59 | £150.48 |
| 60 to State Pension age | £158.40 |
To apply for Bereavement Allowance, you need to fill in a BB1 form and send it to the DWP. You can get a BB1 form online, by phone, or from your local Jobcentre Plus. You will need to provide details of your spouse or civil partner, their death, their National Insurance number, your income, your savings, and your personal information. You may also need to send some evidence, such as a death certificate or a marriage certificate.
You can apply for Bereavement Allowance at any time within 52 weeks of your spouse or civil partner’s death, but it is best to apply as soon as possible. You can get backdated payments from the date of death, or from the date you apply, whichever is later.
Widowed Parent’s Allowance is a weekly payment for parents with dependent children. It is affected by your income and savings, and you have to pay tax on it. To qualify for Widowed Parent’s Allowance, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your spouse or civil partner died before 6 April 2017
- You are under State Pension age
- You are entitled to Child Benefit for at least one child, or you are pregnant with your spouse or civil partner’s child
- Your spouse or civil partner paid National Insurance contributions for at least 25 weeks, or they died because of an accident or disease caused by their work
- You live in the UK or a country that pays bereavement benefits
The amount you get is £121.95 per week, but it may be reduced if your income or savings are above a certain limit. You can check how Widowed Parent’s Allowance affects your other benefits online.
To apply for Widowed Parent’s Allowance, you need to fill in a WPA form and send it to the DWP. You can get a WPA form online, by phone, or from your local Jobcentre Plus. You will need to provide details of your spouse or civil partner, their death, their National Insurance number, your income, your savings, your children, and your personal information. You may also need to send some evidence, such as a death certificate or a marriage certificate.
You can apply for Widowed Parent’s Allowance at any time within 52 weeks of your spouse or civil partner’s death, but it is best to apply as soon as possible. You can get backdated payments from the date of death, or from the date you apply, whichever is later.
UK Senior Benefits | Latest news
In this section, we will give you some latest news on UK senior benefits. These news are based on the results from my search web tool, which I used to find the most relevant and recent articles on this topic. Here are some of the headlines and summaries:
- [New benefit cap rules could affect thousands of pensioners in the UK]: The benefit cap is a limit on the total amount of benefits that working-age people can get. However, from 15 May 2019, some pensioners who claim Universal Credit may also be affected by the cap, depending on their partner’s age and circumstances. This could mean a reduction in their income and affect their eligibility for other benefits, such as Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support.
- [How to claim a free bus pass in the UK]: A free bus pass is a benefit that allows you to travel for free on local buses in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. To get a free bus pass, you must be over a certain age, which varies depending on where you live. You can check your eligibility and apply for a free bus pass online, by phone, or by post. You will need to provide proof of your age, your address, and your identity.
- [How to boost your State Pension by up to £25 a week]: If you have gaps in your National Insurance record, you may not get the full State Pension when you retire. However, you can boost your State Pension by up to £25 a week by making voluntary National Insurance contributions. You can check your National Insurance record online and see if you can make voluntary contributions to fill the gaps. You can make voluntary contributions online, by phone, or by post. You will need to provide your National Insurance number, your bank account details, and some personal information.
You can boost your State Pension by up to 10 years, but you must do it before you reach State Pension age. You can check the deadline for making voluntary contributions online.
- [How to get a free flu jab in the UK]: A flu jab is a vaccine that protects you from the flu, a common viral infection that can cause fever, cough, sore throat, and other symptoms. The flu can be serious for some people, especially seniors, who are more likely to develop complications, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. A free flu jab is a benefit that you can get from the NHS if you are 65 or over, or if you have a certain health condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
To get a free flu jab, you need to book an appointment with your GP or a local pharmacy that offers the service. You can find a pharmacy that offers the flu jab online. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and NHS number. You may also need to show proof of your age or your health condition, such as a letter from your doctor or a prescription.
You can get a free flu jab between September and March, but it is best to get it as soon as possible, before the flu season starts. The flu jab is safe and effective, and it only takes a few minutes. It can protect you from the flu for up to a year.
Concluding words
In this article, we have explained what benefits you can claim as a senior in the UK, how to apply for them, and how much you could get. We have also provided some latest news and resources to help you find out more.
We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact us at HustleHub. We are always happy to hear from our readers and help them with their queries.
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UK Senior Benefits: Type of Benefits Seniors Can Claim in UK? Complete List
Learn about the benefits for seniors in the UK, such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments, Health Benefits, and more. Find out how to apply, how much you could get, and the latest news.
Source: (1) Benefits and entitlements for pensioners and the elderly | Age UK. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/benefits-entitlements/. (2) Cost of living support: If you’re 60 or over – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/60-or-over. (3) Financial benefits for the elderly (2023 update) | Elder. https://www.elder.org/elderly-benefits/.