Benefits and allowances

Pension credit

If you qualify for Pension Credit the government will increase your income. If you’re in a couple you’ll only be eligible to start getting Pension Credit if either:

• you and your partner have both reached State Pension age
• one of you is getting Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.

You can check whether you're entitled to Pension Credit, using the pension credit calculator.

What’s more, if you receive Pension Credit you may qualify for the Cold Weather Payment. This is payable for each week that the weather is exceptionally cold between 1 November and 31 March.

Pension Credit Calculator 

Housing Benefit

You may be able to apply for help to pay your rent if you’re on a low income or claiming benefits. Housing Benefit is being replaced by Universal Credit, but you can still apply if you and your partner have reached State Pension Age.

If you’re in a couple you’ll only be eligible to start getting Housing Benefit if either:

• you and your partner have both reached State Pension age
• one of you has reached State Pension age and started claiming Housing Benefit or Pension Credit, for you as a couple, before 15 May 2019.

Find out more

Council Tax Support

If you’re on a low income you could receive a discount on your Council Tax.

You can apply for support whether you rent or own your home. How much help you’ll get depends on variety of factors. If you are uncertain whether you're entitled to a discount on your Council Tax.

Check here

Health Benefits

If you’re on a low income you may be eligible for health benefits.

These include free dental treatment, vouchers for glasses or contact lenses and hospital travel costs. You can find more about these benefits:

NHS website