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 age 60 and over. For people aged 65 and over, it may reward some of the savings and income they have for their retirement. To apply for Pension Credit, you can phone The Pension Service free on 0800 99 1234. The line is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday. One of our staff will fill in an application form for you over the phone. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 0800 169 0133.

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 is now handling 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 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. Or if you are paid by Direct Payment, phone Pensions Direct on 0845 301 3011. If you have speech or hearing difficulties, a textphone service is available on 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). See the directory for details about how you get a copy of this guide.