Which benefit?

The world of benefits can be a confusing place, but our guide will help you to navigate this minefield and help ensure that you are receiving all the help you’re entitled to.

Benefits are forms of financial support from the Government. There are many different types and eligibility criteria for each one is very different. The benefits that we are asked about most often are:

Pension Credit

This is an income-related benefit for people over the state-pension age. It is made up of Guarantee Credit, which tops up your weekly income to £173.75, and Savings Credit, which is an extra payment for people who saved some money towards their retirement, for example a pension. If you’re a carer, severely disabled, are responsible for a child or young person, or have certain housing costs then you might get more Pension Credit. If you receive Pension Credit then you do not need to pay for a TV licence.

Attendance allowance

If you have a disability which means that you need someone to help look after you, then you could be entitled to Attendance Allowance. You could get £59.70 or £89.15 a week to help with personal support, depending on how much care you need. This is not means-tested, so what you earn or how much you have in savings will not affect what you get. If you receive Attendance Allowance, you might be entitled to increased amounts of other benefits. Carers Allowance If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week, and they get certain benefits, then you might be eligible for Carers Allowance of up to £67.25 per week. However, this may affect the other benefits that you and the person you care for get.

How do I know whether I’m eligible?

We recommend that you use an online benefits calculator to work out what you may be entitled to. This will ask you a series of questions and make recommendations for you. We can help you to do this if you need.

Where can I get more information?

Our helpline team can help you work out what you are entitled to and can put you in contact with other organisations that will help you with your application:
Tel: 0800 132320
Text: 07950 008870
Text relay: 18001 then 0800 132320
Facetime: [email protected] (Not BSL)
BSL video relay: Please click here