Benefits Advice

If you need advice on what benefits you are entitled to, we can explain what benefits are available for older people and if required assist with completing benefit applications.

The State Pension

The basic pension is paid to people who have reached pension age and have made sufficient National Insurance contributions.

Pension Credit

Pension Credit tops up your pension if you have a low income and limited savings.

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction

These benefits can help towards your rent and/or Council Tax. This benefit depends on your income and level of savings.

Attendance Allowance

You may qualify for Attendance Allowance if you are aged 65 or over and need help with personal care or if you need someone with you perhaps because you are in danger of falling or need supervision. Attendance Allowance is not means tested and it does not matter whether you actually receive any help - what matters is that you need help.

Personal Independence Payment

This benefit is for people under 65 who need help with daily living needs and/or have mobility problems. It was introduced for new claims in April 2013 and replaces Disabilty Living Allowance.

Carers Allowance

You may be eligible if you care for someone who receives Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment. This depends on the level of State Pension or earnings you receive.

Help with health costs

If you receive the guarantee part of Pension Credit you can also receive help with some NHS costs such as free dental treatment, fares to hospital and help towards glasses. You may get some help towards these costs if you do not receive Pension Credit, but you are on a low income and have limited savings.

How we can help

Age UK Torbay can carry out a free confidential benefit check and help you to apply for any benefits you may be entitled to.

If you would like to have a benefits check, or if you need further information on benefits or would like to discuss anything about benefits please contact us:

Email: reception@ageuktorbay.org.uk

Tel: 01803 841 832

If you do make an appointment for a benefits check, it would help us if you would download and complete our benefit sheet before you meet with us.