Benefits information for pensioners

See below for information on:

Applying for benefits
Reporting changes in circumstances
Extra financial help

Applying for benefits

Pension Credit is awarded by the Pension Service to anyone of pensionable age to guarantee a minimum income. The Pension Service can now help you apply for Pension Credit, council tax benefit and housing benefit at the same time, to find out more and apply see:

Pension Services - Directgov website

If you find that you aren't eligible for Pension Credits please visit our council tax and housing benefit pages for more information about receiving help.

Reporting changes in circumstances

While you are receiving help with your rent or council tax you must inform us of any changes in your circumstances which may affect your entitlement. Some changes need to be reported to us and others only to the Pension Service.

You must inform us if:

Your Pension Credits cease
You are receiving Savings Credit and your savings exceed £16,000
Your rent changes
Non-dependants move in or out

Report a change online

You must inform the Pension Service of changes such as

Changes to your earnings
Life events e.g. a partner's death

Extra financial help

In some circumstances we may be able to award people suffering exceptional hardship an additional payment to help with additional housing costs. These are known as Discretionary Housing Payments, for information and to apply see: