Older people

Services, benefits, and savings available for people of a pensionable age.

Winter Fuel Payment

The Winter Fuel payment is automatically given to people who are in receipt of the state pension or who receive a social security benefit (not Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit). The payment is to help with winter fuel bills, and is normally made between November and December.

How much you get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week. The qualifying week for winter 2022 to 2023 is 19 to 25 September 2022:

Winter Fuel payment - more information on GOV.UK

Cold Weather Payment

You may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment if you are in receipt of any benefits of the following:

  • Pension Credit
  • Income Support
  • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Universal Credit
  • Support for Mortgage Interest

The payment is made if the temperature falls below zero degrees celsius for 7 consecutive days or more, between November and March:

Cold Weather Payment - more information on GOV.UK

Travel passes

National bus pass

If you are of pensionable age, and you live in the East Riding, you may be entitled to a national bus pass. This allows you to use bus services free of charge, between 9.30am and 11pm Monday to Friday, and at all times on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays.

National bus pass - more information and how to apply

Senior railcard

If you are aged 60 or over, you can purchase a senior railcard and receive a third off all rail fares to travel across Britain. The discount includes all standard and first class anytime, off-peak and advance fares across the national rail network.

Senior rail card - more information and how to apply

Pension Credit

If you're on a low income and over State Pension age, you may be eligible for Pension Credit. Pension Credit tops up:

  • your weekly income to £182.60 if you're single
  • your joint weekly income to £278.70 if you have a partner.

If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for Pension Credit if you:

  • have a disability
  • care for someone
  • have savings
  • have housing costs.

You can start your application up to 4 months before you reach State Pension age. After you reach State Pension age applications can only be backdated by 3 months:

Pension Credit - more information on GOV.UK and how to apply

Free TV licence

If you are over 75 and getting Pension Credit, you are entitled to a free TV licence:

Free TV licence - more information on TV Licensing

Pension Wise

Pension Wise is a government service that offers free, impartial guidance about your pension options. An appointment with Pension Wise is free and will help you understand what your overall financial situation will be when you retire:

Pension Wise - more information and how to book an appointment

MoneyHelper

MoneyHelper, the government's financial guidance service, provides a selection of useful guides on pensions and retirement:

MoneyHelper - more information about pensions

Age UK

Age UK are a national charity who provide support and advice for older people, as well as campaigning for their rights and care:

Age UK - more information

Stop Loan Sharks

Stop Loan Sharks investigates and prosecutes illegal money lenders and provides support for borrowers. If you think you, or someone you know, is paying money to a loan shark or an illegal money lender you can:

  • find out what a loan shark is
  • safely and anonymously report loan sharks and illegal money lenders
  • call the 24hr helpline on 0300 555 2222 for confidential advice and support
  • find out about loan shark debt
  • have a live web chat to get instant advice and support

Stop Loan Sharks - more information on the website

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