Other state support

The Government offers a range of help to provide extra financial support to pensioners. In particular, Pension Credit, which became available in October 2003, provides a contribution towards a guaranteed level of 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. Click here for information about how to apply for Pension Credit. Pensioners can also get help towards their housing costs, their Council Tax and the extra cost of disability. For more information, please contact The Pension Service. If The Pension Service has written to you explaining that a pension centre now handles your case, you should call them on 0845 606 0265 If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0845 606 0285. If you have not yet received a letter and you are paid by order book, you should contact your social security office. The address and phone number of your social security office will be in the phone book under Social Security. If you are paid by direct payment, phone pensions direct on 0845 301 3011 (textphone 0845 301 3012). You can also get information from our website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

If you want to find out about help and advice that is available through central and local government, see the Pensioners’ Guide (PG1).