What Can You Claim?

Once you retire, the chances are that unless you have made provisions such as a private pension, savings, bonds or invested in things like annuities, your monthly income is going to be considerably lower than it was when you were working.
However, the important thing to remember is that you might be entitled to additional state payments and benefits which can add up to a considerable sum and make your retirement more financially comfortable so it's important to contact your local Department of Work and Pensions so that they can assess your circumstances and determine if you qualify for additional state help.
Pensions
You will automatically be entitled to the basic state pension if you have made enough National Insurance contributions during the years in which you've been working and you can also apply for Pension Credit and, if you're eligible, this will provide an additional source of income on top of any basic state pension you're entitled to but this is always means tested.You might also be eligible to receive a second state pension which used to be commonly referred to as SERPS but was replaced by another similar scheme in 2002 called S2P. There are various conditions to this in order to qualify but it's worth enquiring about to see if you're eligible if you're not sure.
For those who are aged 80 or over, you may be entitled to the Over 80 pension even if you've never qualified for the basic state pension.
Allowances and Other Payments
If you're on a relatively low income, you may also qualify to receive a one off regular annual lump sum payment to help you with the increase in the cost of your fuel bills during winter. There is an additional benefit you may be entitled to if the winter weather is extremely severe and these payments are made to you automatically once you've registered first and your eligibility has been established. Further state help is also available in the form of a grant which can enable you to make improvements to the insulation of your home which can also sometimes include installing central heating if your income is low and you qualify.If you rent your home, you may be eligible to receive housing benefit to help you with your rent costs and, you may also be entitled to council tax benefit even if you are a homeowner.
If you have a disability or you care for someone who's disabled you may be able to claim disability allowance and carer's allowance and once you reach retirement age you qualify for free prescriptions, eye tests and help with dental costs should you need them as well as a bus or train pass to help you get around on public transport for free or at reduced costs during peak travel times.
There are certain benefits you can also claim if you have been widowed or your civil partner has died but you must be eligible to qualify and meet the criteria and don't forget your tax free allowances. Everybody is entitled to an allowance, including people who have retired so you can be sure that any interest on savings are not all going to be swallowed up by the Inland Revenue.
There are also other kinds of help in the form of loans and grants which can help you when it comes to having to buy essential household items such as beds, furniture and appliances for cooking and heating, along with clothing if things are desperate and you've nowhere else to turn to for financial help and this can also include things such as funeral expenses for a loved one if you haven't got the money to pay for it yourself.
For more information on what benefits and payments you might be entitled to in retirement, visit the Department of Work and Pensions website. But let's end on a brighter note.
In addition to there being many things you can claim for, it's good to know that you no longer need to pay for your TV licence once you reach 75 and you get a reduction on it the year before. What's more, if you receive certain state benefits, you even get an automatic £10 bonus payment at Christmas!
Re: Clubs to Join in Retirement
Hi I am out going and enjoy life, recently widowed after a wounderfull. Marriage find I want to make new friends and live
Re: Clubs to Join in Retirement
I work on "Jeremy Vine" on Channel 5 and I'm looking to reach out to Retirement communities to ask if anyone would like to come to…
Re: Clubs to Join in Retirement
Hi I’m hoping to find clubs and social activities for my 80yr old mum in the Brereton/Rugeley area meet friends she won’t go to far…
Re: Learning for Free in Retirement
I would like to update my computer learning I have some knowledge, a bit self taught, I can email and write a letter, so there…
Re: Clubs to Join in Retirement
Any activities in Manchester area
Re: Making Extra Cash Without Working
HI I have been retired a number of years but still kept working part time doing joinery and plumbing, just mainly to keep…
Re: Winter Fuel Payments for Pensioners Living Abroad
I have paid into the system since I left school at 15. Worked all my life until I retired to Spain 17…
Re: Planning for New Hobbies and Leisure Time
I’m retiring from being a social media marketer What could I do to use these skills in retirement to earn a bit…
Re: Clubs to Join in Retirement
I am semi retired anf live in the boldon colliery area i am looking to join a group and meet new friends, i enjoy short walks,…
Re: Clubs to Join in Retirement
I am moving to Stanley, County Durham on the 22nd January 2019 and I am looking to join a few clubs or social events. My husband…