The benefits that you will be able to get will depend upon your individual circumstances. Listed below are some of the main benefits that you may be able to get.
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
State Pension
Paid to women from the age of 60 (but this will gradually increase for women born after 5th April 1950 so by 2020 their pension age will be the same as for men) and for men from the age of 65. They need to have paid and/or been credited with sufficient national insurance contributions during their working life. For people whose pension birthday is after 5th April 2010, there will be a reduction in the maximum number of years a person needs for a full state pension – down from 39/44 to only 30 years. Women can use their husband’s National Insurance contribution record in order to receive a state pension but will only be able to do this from the date that their husband reaches the age of 65 and claims his pension. Some people may have years discounted under the home responsibilities protection where they had been in receipt of child benefit or been carers of a disabled person.
There are separate rules for people who are widows/ widowers/ dissolved civil partners or people who are divorced using their late or ex-spouse’s contribution record. People who cannot get a state pension at the age of 60 or 65 because of their National Insurance record may be able to get a pension when they reach the age of 80 and have been living in the UK for at least 10 years since they were 60.
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Pension Credit
You need to be aged 60 to qualify for the guarantee credit and 65 or over for savings credit. Pension Credit is a means tested benefit and affected by most income that you have coming in but there is no maximum level on the amount of savings that you can have. Savings of up to £6000 are ignored and do not reduce benefit. There are two parts to the credit, guarantee credit and savings credit. The guarantee credit part of pension credit guarantee brings a single pensioner or pensioner couple (even if only one of them is over 60) up to a basic minimum income level. Savings credit rewards people who have some savings or have an extra pension or a higher basic state pension. The amount is higher for certain people such as carers or some severely disabled people or those who have housing costs especially mortgages. Pension credit can give help with mortgage interest from the start of the claim for benefit – unlike Income Support there is no waiting period for help with mortgage interest.
The Pension Service - Pension Benefits information
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Housing and Council Tax Benefit
Paid if you are responsible for rent and /or council tax and you are on a low income. It is a means tested benefit. If you do not qualify for the guarantee credit part of the Pension Credit, there is a limit of £16,000 to the amount of savings you can have and claim either of these benefits.
This benefit is claimed from the Local Authority. Check if you qualify for the 25% discount on council tax if you are living alone. Some people may qualify for a discount because they meet the rules due to ‘severe mental impairment’ or are eligible to get a banding reduction on their council tax because of adaptations to their home for a disabled person living there. There is also another type of council tax benefit called second adult rebate if someone else shares the household and is on a very low income.
For more information, see the following:
JobCentrePlus - Working Age Benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Housing Benefit
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Council Tax Benefit
Hounslow Council Tax benefit
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Tax Credits
Working Tax Credit can be paid if you are working at least 16 hours per week and have children or an illness or disability or are working at least 30 hours per week and are 25 or over. There are special rules if you are 50 or over and work at least 16 hours per week. Child Tax Credit can be claimed if you have at least one dependant child in full time education or unwaged training. Tax Credits are means tested and are paid by HM Revenue & Customs.
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Health Benefits
These can be claimed if you are on a low income and need help with prescription costs, dental or opticians fees or travelling to hospital
JobCentrePlus - Working Age Benefits
If you are over the age of 60 and have health problems, also see Benefits - sick or disabled. This will give you information about Disability Living Allowance (for claims which start before your 65th birthday) and Attendance Allowance if you have disability needs and claim after your 65th birthday.
The benefits and tax credits that you may be able to apply for will depend upon your circumstances. If you are not sure about anything you should always seek advice. You can call us on our public helpline number 020 8583 5016
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