A new campaign has been launched by Age Concern Bristol, which aims to offer assistance to older people in claiming benefits. There are a number of benefits available that will help boost the amount of money that comes in each week, but many people are unaware of what they may be entitled to.

 

The “More Money in Your Pocket” campaign aims to highlight the benefits that you could be receiving, and if you qualify for any of these benefits, we can help you make your claim.

 

 

Almost half of all pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit, yet many are not claiming it. Claiming for Pension Credit could be worth up to £1,500 a year.

Pension Credit is split into two parts, and you may be eligible for one, or even both of them.

 

·       Guarantee Credit: Tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level set by the Government. To claim for this benefit, you will need to be aged 60 or over, and have an income that is less that £130 a week if you are single, or £198.45 if you are a couple.

·       Savings Credit: Can provide up to an additional £20.40 a week if you are single, or £27.03 if you are a couple, as a reward for having modest savings for your retirement. To claim for this benefit, you will need to be aged 65 or over, and can have an income of up to £181 if you are single, or £266 if you are a couple.

 

If you are severely disabled, a carer, or are a home owner with a mortgage, then the amounts that you need to qualify for the benefit may be higher. Also, there is no savings limit for Pension Credit, but if you have over £6,000 in savings, then the amount you receive will be reduced.

 

 

 

Applying for Council Tax Benefit could reduce your council tax bill by up to £690 a year. It doesn’t matter if you are a homeowner, or if you pay rent, you may still be eligible for this benefit.

 

In order to claim this benefit, you normally need to have less than £16,000 in savings, however if you receive Guarantee Credit (please see above), there is no savings limit and your council tax could be fully covered by the benefit.

 

There are other ways to reduce your council tax bill as well:

·       If you live on your own, you are entitled to a 25% discount on your council tax. There are also discounts for people who are severely mentally impaired, and also for some carers.

·       There is a Disability Reduction Scheme if you are a disabled person and your home has features that accommodate your disability; for example, you may have an extra bathroom specifically for your use, or extra space for wheelchairs.

·       If you have to leave your home to stay in a hospital or a care home, then you may not have to pay council tax if your house is left empty.

 

 

 

There are up to 350,000 older people who are eligible for Housing Benefit but are not receiving it. A claim for Housing Benefit could reduce your rent bill and cover other service charges, such as lifts, or communal laundry facilities.

 

            If you want to claim Housing Benefit:

·       You must have responsibility for paying the rent.

·       If you are a couple, only one of you can make the claim.

·       In most circumstances, you cannot be living in the home of a close relative.

·       You would need to have less than £16,000 in savings. If you receive Guarantee Credit (please see above), there is no savings limit and your rent may be fully covered by the benefit. The exception to this would be if you have someone else living with you who is expected to contribute to the rent.

 

If you think that you may be entitled to any of the benefits outline in this article, then there are a number of ways that you can receive more information and advice about making a claim.

 

If you would like to talk to someone at Age Concern Bristol, you can call our information and advice line on 0117 9225353. Our operators will be able to answer any queries you may have, and also offer you either an office appointment or a home visit, if you are unable to come into our offices. They will also be able to help you make a claim for benefits and fill out any forms. We are open Mon/Weds Thurs 10.00 – 1.00 and Tuesdays 10.00 – 3.30. You can also drop into our offices at 38 Victoria Street during these times and an adviser will be happy to speak to you.