If you're struggling to get by, it could be worth checking to see if you are eligible to claim benefits. Make sure you are claiming benefits that you are entitled to for your health, travel and more.
If you are at, or coming up to, state pension age, our guide to benefits for elderly people may be helpful to you.
Benefits for elderly people
Free prescriptions
Those who are 60 years and older are entitled to free medical prescriptions and free eye tests in the UK. There are also more benefits you may be able to claim. You should ask a medical professional to find out if you are entitled to; free NHS dental treatment, free NHS prescriptions, free NHS eye tests, funding towards buying glasses or contact lenses, and help with travel costs to receive NHS treatment.
Travel concessions
Benefits for elderly people also include things outside of health and the NHS, like travel. In England women can get free bus travel when they reach state pension age. Confusingly, men can get free bus travel when you've reached the state pension age of a woman born on the same day as you. (Ouch our heads hurt).
In Northern Ireland it's slightly simpler, you get free bus and train travel when you are over 60 years old. In Wales and Scotland you can get free bus travel when over 60.
Winter Fuel Payment
You may be entitled to Winter Fuel Payment. This is basically to help you with your heating bills. Again women can get it when they reach state pension age. Men are entitled when they reach the state pension age of a woman born on the same day as them. (Think we're getting it now).
Pension Credit
Pension Credit helps those on lower incomes and is based on the amount of money you have coming in. Pension Credit is made up of guarantee credit and savings credit, you may be entitled to just one, or both. But you can claim Pension Credit if you are working or not.
