Financial help for people aged 55+

Pensions and retirement

If you are over 55 you might experience financial problems because your income has dropped or you have additional expenses associated with health and care needs.

Information about the State Pension:

You can check your State Pension age on the GOV.UK website:

• Check your State Pension age - on the GOV.UK website

There is also information about your right to continue working after you have reached State Pension age:

• Working after State Pension age - on the GOV.UK website

If you are over the State Pension age and on a low income you may be eligible for extra money to help with living costs. This is called Pension Credit:

• Pension Credit - on the GOV.UK website

This short video explains more about Pension Credit:

Money and Pensions Service

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is an arm's-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions, established at the beginning of 2019, and also engages with HM Treasury on policy matters relating to financial capability and debt advice. Impartial money and pensions guidance, backed by the government and free to use. For details see:

• Money and Pensions Service website

Advice from AgeUK

AgeUK West Sussex gives confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues for older people including benefits, pensions, debt, budgeting, housing needs, and accessing care and support:

• Information, advice and support - on the AgeUK website

Cold weather payment

You might be eligible for a cold weather payment if you are getting certain types of benefits or Pension Credit. You can check this on the GOV.UK website:

• Cold Weather Payment - on the GOV.UK website

Winter Fuel Payment

If you were born on or before 25th September 1956 you could get a Winter Fuel Payment to help you pay your heating bills:

• Winter Fuel Payment eligibility criteria and how to claim - on the GOV.UK website

Travel

West Sussex County Council offers free bus passes and discounts on train fares once you reach State Pension age:

• Free older person's bus pass - on the WSCC website
• Discounts on train fares - on the WSCC website
• Disabled person's railcard - on the WSCC website

TV licence

If you are aged 75 or over, you may be eligible for a free TV licence:

• Find out if you need to pay for a TV licence - on the TV licensing website

Funeral Costs

If you need help with paying for a funeral and receive certain benefits, the UK Government has a scheme to help:

• Get help with funeral costs (Funeral Expenses Payment) - on the GOV.UK website

See also ... Cost of Living Helper

If you are worried about money there is a lot of help out there. Knowing where to start can be tricky, but in this tool you will find advice and handy tips about what you can do. It includes information about: paying for housing; paying your bills; paying for essentials (food, medication, transport); dealing with debts; and maximising your income. See:

• Cost of Living Helper website

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