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:

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

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:

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:

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:

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:

This short video explains more about Winter Fuel Payment:

Travel

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

TV licence

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

Funeral Costs

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

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:

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Page last updated: 30 January 2023

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