Millions of people over 60 in the UK are missing out on benefits they're entitled to. This guide explains every benefit available to you, how to apply, and how to make sure you're getting everything you're owed.
- Run a 10-minute entitlement check (entitledto / Turn2us) annually and after any life change
- One award often unlocks others — passported entitlements stack
- Refused? Mandatory Reconsideration then tribunal — most heard appeals succeed
- Non-means-tested benefits (PIP, Attendance Allowance) ignore savings entirely
Beyond the Basics
Passported entitlements multiply the value of a claim: Pension Credit opens free TV licence over 75, warm home discount, housing support; PIP is not means-tested and can add premiums to other benefits. Always re-run a full entitlement check after any award.
A refusal is the middle of the process, not the end. Initial decisions are overturned at tribunal in the majority of PIP and ESA cases — largely because tribunals actually meet the claimant. Free representation from Citizens Advice measurably raises success rates.
Unclaimed benefits are Britain's quietest scandal — an estimated £19bn+ per year across all schemes. Most non-claimants would qualify but assume otherwise. A ten-minute calculator run (entitledto, Turn2us) is the single highest-value admin task in personal finance.
Benefits Available to People Over 60
| Benefit | Maximum Weekly Amount | Who Qualifies | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Credit | £393.45 | Most working-age adults | GOV.UK |
| PIP | £184.30 | Disabled/long-term ill | DWP |
| Carer's Allowance | £81.90 | Carers (35+ hrs/week) | GOV.UK |
| Child Benefit | £25.60 (first child) | Parents/guardians | HMRC |
| Council Tax Reduction | Up to 100% | Low income households | Local Council |
How to Apply for Benefits
- Use the entitledto or Turn2us calculators to see what you qualify for
- Apply via GOV.UK — never pay anyone to help you apply for benefits
- Gather documents: ID, proof of address, bank details, NI number
- Keep records of all correspondence with DWP or HMRC
- If refused, always appeal — decisions are often overturned at tribunal
FAQs
Will savings stop me claiming?
For means-tested benefits, savings above £6,000 reduce awards and £16,000 usually ends eligibility. PIP, Attendance Allowance and Carer's Allowance ignore your savings completely.
Can I claim while working?
Absolutely. You keep 45p of every extra £1 earned above your work allowance, and thousands of working households qualify without realising.
Will claiming affect my credit score?
No. Benefit claims are invisible to credit reference agencies. Lenders may consider income sources for affordability, but the claim itself leaves no mark.
How far can payments be backdated?
It varies by benefit — typically one month for UC, three for pension credit — which is why claiming promptly matters more than claiming perfectly.
What if my claim is refused?
Ask for Mandatory Reconsideration within one month, then appeal to tribunal. The majority of PIP appeals that reach tribunal succeed — persistence pays, and Citizens Advice will help free.
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