Help For Older People
Explore the help available for older people struggling with the cost of living.
Pension Credit
Individuals may be able to receive Pension Credit if they have reached pension age and have a low income. There are two parts of Pension Credit, called Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. Recipients can get one or both, depending on their age and circumstances.
You can find more information here:
Pension Credit - Citizens Advice
Pension Credit: Overview - GOV.UK
Attendance Allowance
Individuals may be able to receive Attendance Allowance if they have reached pension age and have care needs because of an illness or disability. The amount recipients are paid is based on how much help they need, not income, savings or whether they are working.
You can get more information here:
Attendance Allowance - Citizens Advice
What is Attendance Allowance? - Turn2us
Pensioner Cost Of Living Payment
Those who have reached state pension age and receive the Winter Fuel Payment, 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
Those receiving certain benefits because of illness or disability, might be able to receive a Disability Cost of Living Payment. This is a one-off amount of £150, which should have been 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- Money Saving Expert
Cold Weather Payment
Cold Weather Payments are available to those receiving certain benefits or Support for Mortgage 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: eligibility & how to claim – Money Saving Expert
Warm Home Discount
The government is giving households £150 towards their energy costs, if they receive certain benefits. A one-off discount should be applied automatically to energy bills between 1st October 2023 and 31st March 2024, but it is also possible to receive a voucher for prepayment meters.
You can find more information here:
Warm Home Discount Scheme: Overview - GOV.UK
Warm home discount- Money Saving Expert
Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills - Citizens Advice
Priority Services Register
Vulnerable households, who find it difficult dealing with their energy supplier, might be able to join their energy supplier's Priority Services Register. This can give access to a range of extra services, including priority support when they 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 with them directly to find out what's running near those you support.
You can find more information here:
Community, Parish and Town Councils- Milton Keynes City Council
Help With Health Costs
If individuals are 60 years or older, they are entitled to free prescriptions, as well as free NHS eye tests. Depending on personal circumstances, they 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
Once individuals reach pension age, they can receive an Older Person’s Bus Pass. This provides 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
Individuals can purchase a Senior Railcard if they are aged 60 years or older, providing a 1/3 discount of rail tickets. It’s possible to apply for a railcard online or in person at most staffed railway stations.
You can find more information here: