Benefits & Money Support
- Location: Age UK Bath & North East Somerset
- Price: Free
Email: bathnes.thehub@hcrgcaregroup.com
Telephone: 0300 247 0050
Each year, billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. We can help make sure you're not missing out.
Pension Age Benefits
These are benefits and entitlements that can only be claimed once you reach the state pension age. The state pension age is rising; it is currently 66, and rising to 67 in 2027. These benefits might be means-tested or non-means-tested. Successfully claiming some of these benefits can passport you onto others.
If you are entitled to claim a benefit, don’t be put off by the application process or fear that you’re taking away from others. It is a very manageable process, and if you are entitled, the claim is rightfully yours. Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed by older people every year.
Nearly all means-tested benefit applications will ask for the same information, so have these things to hand:
➤ Your name, age, address, contact details
➤ Your National Insurance (NI) Number
➤ Bank Account Details
➤ Information about your Income, Savings, and Investments (including any benefits you might already claim)
➤ Information about any Private or occupational pensions you have
➤ Information about Housing Costs (including service charges and/or ground rent, council tax payments)
➤ Your partner’s details, if you have a partner, or anyone else living with you (dependent or not)
Successful claims could also entitle you to:
➤ Reduction in your TV licence (over 75s)
➤ Cold Weather Payment
➤ Free NHS Dental care, plus a claim towards eye tests and glasses, reduced cost hospital transport
➤ A premium for your carer
➤ A premium if you have a disability
➤ A premium for a dependent child
When you speak to one of our advisers, they will go through these additional entitlements with you and explain how and when you can claim them.
Pension Credit
Pension Credit is means-tested benefit for older people. This means what you get depends on your income and savings.
There are 2 parts to pension credit:
➤ Guarantee Credit - tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum
➤ Savings Credit - this is a bit of extra money if you have some savings or your income is higher than the basic state pension.
You may be eligible for one or both parts.
You can claim pension credit: Phone: 0800 99 1234 or online https://www.gov.uk/pesnion-credit
Council Tax Reduction
Council Tax is a tax you pay to your local council. If you’re on a low income, you might be entitled to help paying it. This helps us know as Council Tax Reduction or Council Tax Support. This benefit can be dependent on what other benefits you receive (Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance, PIP or Carer’s Allowance).
You are entitled to 25% off your Council Tax bill if you live alone. Contact your local council to register for this. There are other situations where discounts may also apply, and some councils offer discretionary discounts (eg: your home is flooded). Check with your local council to find out what support it offers. Be prepared to provide evidence to support your claim.
The Council can offer face-to-face appointments for those who have in-depth benefit enquiries or may have difficulties using their online facilities. For more information, please speak to a Benefits Assessor by calling 01225 477 277.
Banes Council: www.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-council-tax-support
Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit is money to help you cover your rent if you're living on a low income. You can make a new claim for Housing Benefit if you're State Pension age or over. If you have a partner, you can usually only make a new claim for Housing Benefit when you both reach State Pension age.
If you and your partner aren't State Pension age and you need help with paying your rent, you can only claim Housing Benefit if you live in supported, sheltered or temporary housing. Otherwise, you'll need to make a claim for Universal Credit instead.
Age UK Banes does not support Universal Credit claims; we can refer you to Citizen’s Advice for support.
State Pension Age
The current state pension age is 66, in 2027 the state pension age is rising to 67. You can check the age and date you will be eligible to claim for a state pension via Gov.UK: www.gov.uk/state-pension-age
Phone the State Pension Claim line: 0800 731 7898
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will contact you by letter as you near state pension age, and they will confirm with you the amount you will be paid. If you work, contact your HR department or pension provider to find out details of your current workplace pension. You will also need to claim any historical workplace pensions. Some workplace pensions may be able to be claimed earlier than the state pension age, please check with your provider for details.
You can still work and claim a state pension. By working and claiming a state pension, it may affect any pension age benefits you are claiming (excluding Attendance Allowance), and it may put your earnings into a higher tax band. You will not need to pay National Insurance, but any and all non-benefits-related income above the state pension is liable to be taxed.
Free TV Licence
If you’re 75 or over and you get Pension Credit, you can get a free TV licence. If you’re blind or in residential care, you can get a discounted TV licence. You may also be eligible if you live with your partner who gets Pension Credit. The licence covers everyone living at your address.
You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that, you’ll be covered by your free licence.
You can get a TV Licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation. You must either be retired and over 60 or disabled. Your housing manager can check if you can get it and will apply for you.