Pensioners don’t know what financial support they can get

Many struggling pensioners aren’t claiming financial support because they don’t know what help is available.

New research by McCarthy Stone has found that most over-55s know about smaller perks for retirees, like free bus passes (65%) and transport discounts (65%).

But just three in ten (31%) know about council tax reductions and less than four in ten (39%) are aware of attendance allowance.

Figures also showed that nearly two-thirds (65%) don’t fully understand what financial support they can get.

And two fifths (43%) have never even checked what they’re entitled to. 

Older people assuming they’re not eligible

Another problem is that many retirees mistakenly believe they aren’t entitled to any help.

The study found that six in ten (60%) people aged 55 and above aren’t applying for help because they assume they won’t qualify.

In fact, more than half (52%) said they think financial support is “meant for people worse off than me”.

Support is available

You don’t have to be at crisis point to be eligible for help.

If you’re a pensioner on a low income, you could claim pension credit.

This is worth around £4,000 and can also open the door to other benefits, including:

• help with rent
• a council tax reduction
• fuel bill support
• a free TV licence if you’re over 75

You can make a claim for pension credit on the government website.

Pension credit claims can also be made through the freephone telephone number - 0800 99 1234 - or with a paper application form.

If you have care needs and are over state pension age, you could also be eligible for attendance allowance - worth up to £5,740.

Is complex system putting you off applying for benefits?

The application process itself is also putting many pensioners off asking for help.

In fact, one in five (20%) say financial support is “too complicated to know where to start”.

If this sounds like you, then we can help.

You can either give us a ring and we’ll see what help you could be eligible for.

Or use our free benefits calculator to see what support you could get.