The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed eight benefits that people over State Pension age can claim, particularly if they have an illness or disability. These payments can help with the cost of care and other living expenses.
Benefits available beyond State Pension age
Your State Pension age is the earliest age you can start receiving your State Pension. It may differ from the age at which you can access a workplace or personal pension. The State Pension age is regularly reviewed, so the results of any eligibility tool may change in the future.
You can usually work for as long as you want to, as the 'default retirement age' (a forced retirement age of 65) no longer exists. You can also ask your employer if you can work more flexibly or part-time, though they have the right to reject your request.
Attendance Allowance and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit
Attendance Allowance is for people over State Pension age who have a disability or illness severe enough to need someone to help look after them. You must have needed help for at least 6 months (unless you are terminally ill). You cannot usually get Attendance Allowance if you live in a care home and your care is paid for by your local authority. There are two rates: a lower rate if you need help either in the day or at night, and a higher rate if you need help both day and night. It does not matter how much income or savings you have.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a weekly payment you can get if you are disabled because of an accident at work or have an illness caused by work or an employment training scheme. The amount you get depends on your circumstances. You cannot get this benefit if you were self-employed at the time of the accident.
Constant Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit
Constant Attendance Allowance is a payment for people who are ill or disabled because of specific circumstances. You can get it if you receive Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a War Disablement Pension and need daily care because of a disability. How much you get depends on the extent of your disability and the amount of care you need. If you get Constant Attendance Allowance, you cannot get Attendance Allowance as well, but you may be able to get a top-up to Constant Attendance Allowance.
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you are over State Pension age and on a low income. It can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges. You might get extra help if you are a carer, severely disabled, or responsible for a child or young person. Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension, and you can get it even if you have other income, savings, or own your own home.
Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, and Carer's Allowance
Housing Benefit can help you pay your rent if you are unemployed, on a low income, or claiming benefits. It is being replaced by Universal Credit. You may get help with all or part of your rent, and what you get depends on whether you rent privately or from a council.
Council Tax Reduction could be available if you are on a low income or claim benefits. Your bill could be reduced by up to 100%. You can apply if you own your home, rent, are unemployed, or working.
If you get Attendance Allowance or another disability-related benefit and you have a carer, they may be able to get Carer's Allowance as well. This provides additional financial support for those who care for someone with significant needs.
