Advice and financial support
There are a range of benefits and financial support available to elderly residents. These include:
- Attendance Allowance
- Council Tax Benefit
- Housing Benefit
- Pension Credit
- Winter Fuel Payment
- Cold Weather Payment
It has been discovered that approximately £5.5 billion of benefits goes unclaimed by the elderly each year, which could help lift thousands of pensioners out of poverty. There are a number of explanations that might account for this, but one consistent concern is that many elderly people are not aware of all the benefits they have the right to claim.
Age UK has established a comprehensive guide to available benefits for elderly residents including information on how to claim.
In addition, Which? Later Life Care provides free independent and practical advice about caring for older people across the UK. Their services cover both financial advice on funding options through to identifying housing and residential options and care services to help improve the quality of life for residents.
Further information about local care and support services for elderly residents can be sourced via Kent County Council's social care webpage.