You’ve paid your taxes and national insurance contributions for years. Now, as you’re entering your golden years, it’s time to get some of it back.
Unfortunately, due to the number of benefits on offer, it can be confusing trying to work out what benefits seniors are eligible for and how to apply for them.
Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with our guide to senior benefits in the UK. Here’s the ones you need to know about.
1. Government Benefits
The most obvious of the government benefits is your state pension. Once you’ve claimed this you’ll get paid the established amount. The full basic state pension is £169.50 per week, and it’s paid every four weeks.
Currently, the official retirement age is 66, although this is set to change to 67 years old. What you’ll get is based on how many qualifying years you have. The full pension is paid if you have 35 qualifying years. Provided you have 10 qualifying years, you’ll get something. That’s better than nothing.
If you’re over 60, you can get pension credit, which will top up your income to a set minimum level.
2. Healthcare and Insurance
All UK residents enjoy free access to the NHS, even if the system is straining and potentially giving way at the knees. The simple truth is healthcare is essentially free, which is why most people, young or old, don’t have health insurance.
Of course, health insurance will get you into a private hospital and get you to see the doctor faster, but you’ll have to pay for that yourself.
While the NHS is free, some healthcare services, such as eye tests and dentists, aren’t. You’ve got to pay for these.
Senior citizens can benefit from free eye tests, and those living in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland can get free prescriptions. Bizarrely, any seniors in England have to pay £8.60 per prescription.
Don’t forget, you’re also entitled to a free annual flu jab and now a COVID-19 one, too.
3. Financial Benefits and Programs
Being a pensioner can make life hard. No matter how well you’ve planned, there’s a good chance you don’t have as much money to live on as you hoped.
Government-backed financial benefits can help with this.
For starters, there’s a winter fuel payment. Once you receive your state pension or other senior benefits, you’ll be entitled to a tax-free sum annually. It’s to put towards the cost of heating your home.
You’ll also get an extra £25 every time the weather forecast shows a temperature of less than zero for seven days in a row or more.
It’s also worth noting that the government offers free home insulation via approved contractors. A great way to reduce those energy bills and feel warmer.
4. Community and Lifestyle Benefits
Being active is said to help people live longer, and part of this means being involved in your local community. To help you get out, meet people, and have a little fun, the government offers several community and lifestyle benefits.
The most obvious is bus travel. It’s a means-tested benefit which allows you to have either free or subsidised bus travel once you’re over 60. All you have to do is apply and you’ll get a bus card.
It’s also possible to do the same on the trains. What a way to explore the country in your senior years.
5. Senior discounts on retail and services
These aren’t government-offered. However, most businesses will offer senior discounts. For example, you’ll be entitled to reduced entry to the cinema. It may be a daytime show, but if it makes it affordable, who cares?
Equally, you can get reduced-priced membership to various places, such as museums and National Trust properties.
The businesses benefit from your custom in the quieter periods and you have a virtually unending list of things you can do. More importantly, you can afford to do them.
Another valuable benefit is that you can have a free TV license, although this scheme may also be running on borrowed time.
6. Housing Benefits
Not everyone is lucky enough to own their own house. For many, having to pay rent is stressful. Fortunately, when you’re on a low income, you can get help from the government.
Housing benefits will pay all or some of your rent. To qualify, you’ll need to have less than £16,000 in savings, be claiming a state pension and your income must be below a pre-defined level.
It’s worth noting that your local council will also help you find a home or allocate you one if you don’t have one. It sounds strange, but there are many reasons why you may no longer have a home. They aim to keep you warm and off the streets.
7. Nutrition and Wellness Benefits
Nutrition, exercise, and a balanced diet are essential ingredients to help everyone enjoy life. Seniors often find it harder to get the balance. This is especially true when they have been used to cooking for a family and are left to cook just for themselves.
There are plenty of places which will offer advice on healthy eating, such as Age UK.
Older people and those with long-term disabilities are eligible for Meals on Wheels. This is a national service. It brings meals directly to your door.
Seniors can check with their local council to find out if they are eligible. They’ll even help you with the signing-up process.
8. Legal and Protection Benefits
Seniors don’t have any special legal and protection benefits. That’s okay because all UK citizens have basic protection.
You’ll get protection against bad purchases if you pay using your credit card. The bank and other digital payment methods, such as PayPal offer the same.
For any other issues, seniors can talk to their local Citizens Advice Bureau. They provide free advice and even legal aid when required.
The CAB covers everything from debt to criminal court cases. All you have to do is ask.
9. Caregiver Support
The sad truth is many seniors have mobility issues or long-term disabilities. They need help to enjoy life as much as possible.
To help ensure this is the case, the government offers an attendance allowance. You can get £72.65 or £108.55 every week to contribute toward the costs of a caregiver.
The amount you get depends on how much care you need.
Caregivers can also claim an allowance. This is payable to them if they look after a senior for at least 35 hours a week and earn less than £151 weekly.
Those with disabilities can claim a disability living allowance. It’s a great way to top up your earnings and make life a little more comfortable.
It’s worth up to £184.30but you’ll have to meet the qualifying criteria.
You should note this benefit is currently being renamed as Personal Independence Payments, but the principle is the same.
Summing Up
Becoming a senior doesn’t mean you have to struggle financially or reduce your enjoyment of life.
The UK government and many businesses offer discounts, benefits, grants, and even hardship loans. All are designed to help you enjoy every moment possible in your senior years.
All you have to do is identify the benefits you may be entitled to and put a claim in.
You’ve been paying into the system for years; it’s about time you got something back.
