Other state support

The Government offers a range of help to provide extra financial support to pensioners. Pension Credit provides a contribution to a guaranteed minimum income for people aged 60 and over. For people aged 65 and over, it may reward some of the savings and income they have for their retirement. Pension Credit may include an extra amount for caring if you get Carer’s Allowance, or have claimed it but it cannot be paid because you already have another benefit at the same time or at a higher amount. The premium is double if both you and your partner are carers. It can be paid for up to eight weeks after Carer’s Allowance ends. We are writing to people aged 60 and over between April 2003 and June 2004 to help them decide whether to apply for Pension Credit. See Information for pensioners for information about how to apply for Pension Credit.

Pensioners may be entitled to help towards their housing costs – Council Tax and rent payments – and the extra costs of disability. For more information, please contact your local council or see the Pensioners’ guide. See Information for pensioners for details about how you can get a copy of this guide or a Pension Credit leaflet.