Help For Older People
Explore the help available if you are an older person struggling with the cost of living.
Pension Credit
You may be able to receive Pension Credit if you have reached pension age and have a low income. There are two parts of Pension Credit, called Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. You can get one or both, depending on your age and circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Pension Credit - Citizens Advice
Pension Credit: Overview - GOV.UK
Attendance Allowance
You may be able to receive Attendance Allowance if you have reached pension age and have care needs because of an illness or disability. The amount you are paid is based on how much help you need, not on your income, savings or whether you are still working.
You can get more information here:
Attendance Allowance - Citizens Advice
What is Attendance Allowance? - Turn2us
Pensioner Cost Of Living Payment
If you have reached state pension age and receive the Winter Fuel Payment, you are likely to also be entitled to the Pensioner Cost of Living Payment. This could be up to £300, which most people will be paid automatically from November 2023.
You can find more information here:
Cost of living payment- GOV.UK
Government help with energy bills - Age UK
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Disability Cost Of Living Payment
If you are receiving certain benefits because of an illness or disabilty, you might be able to receive a Disability Cost of Living Payment. This is a one-off amount of £150, which most people will have received automatically during summer 2023.
You can find out more information here:
Cost of living payment- GOV.UK
Get help with the cost of living - Citizens Advice
Government help with energy bills - Age UK
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Energy Saving Experts
Cold Weather Payment
You may be able to get Cold Weather Payments, if you are receiving certain benefits or Support for Morgage Interest. Running between 1st November 2023 and 31st March 2024, £25 is paid each time the average temperature is 0c or below, for seven days in a row.
You can find more information here:
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
Cold weather payments – Money Saving Expert
Warm Home Discount
If you are on certain benefits, you could receive £150 towards your energy costs. A one-off discount should automatically be applied to your energy bill between 1st October 2023 and 31st March 2024, but it is also possible to receive a voucher for your prepayment meter.
You can find more information here:
Warm home discount scheme - GOV.UK
Warm home discount- Money Saving Expert
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
Priority Services Register
Depending on your circumstances, you might be able to join your energy supplier's priority sevices register. This can give you access to a range of extra services, including priority support when you call and advanced notice of planned power cuts.
You can find out more information here:
Priority services register - Ofgem
Getting extra support from your energy supplier - Citizens Advice
What to do if you're struggling to pay your energy bills- Money Saving Expert
Warm Spaces
Using a Warm Space can be a great way to save on heating bills, plus many provide free refreshments and activities. Most Warm Spaces in Milton Keynes are run by community, parish and town councils. Get in touch with yours to find out what's running near you.
You can find more information here:
Community, Parish and Town Councils- Milton Keynes City Council
Help With Health Costs
If you’re 60 years or older, you are entitled to free prescriptions, as well as free NHS eye tests. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be able to get help with the cost of dental treatment, glasses and travel to receive NHS treatment.
You can find more information here:
Free prescriptions for over 60s and other health costs - Age UK
Older Person’s Bus Pass
You can get an Older Person’s Bus Pass once you reach pension age. This gives you free off-peak travel on local buses anywhere in England. Applications must be made online via Milton Keynes City Council.
You can find more information here:
Over 60 travel concessions & bus pass - Age UK
Older Person's bus pass | Milton Keynes City Council
Senior Railcard
You can purchase a Senior Railcard if you’re aged 60 years or older, providing you with a discount of 1/3 off rail tickets. You can apply for a railcard online or in person at most staffed railway stations.
You can find more information here: