Wellbeing Guide from Police Mutal Social Care & Benefits
There are a range of benefits available in later life, including heating benefit, attendance allowance, personal independence payment, winter fuel payment and more. Each year benefits go unclaimed by older people, so make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.
Help to pay for care
Attendance Allowance
Attendance allowance is a benefit for people over state pension age who need help with personal care due to
an illness or disability. Money could help you or a loved one stay independent in your/their own home, it is tax
free, won’t reduce any other income you receive, isn’t means-tested and doesn’t have to be spent on a carer.
To find out the current rates look at the government website, this is also where you can download a claim
form, click here.
Health Benefits
Everyone over the age of 60 gets free prescriptions and a free NHS sight tests in England. Prescriptions
are free for everyone elsewhere in the UK. You may also be entitled to help from other NHS services and
treatments including dental treatment and the cost of glasses or contact lenses.
Bereavement Benefits
Bereavement Support Payment is a welfare benefit that you may be able to claim if you are under state pension age and your husband, wife or civil partner has died in the last 21 months. These benefits are not means-tested or taxable.
You can claim this benefit by completing a BSP1 form which can be found here or by calling 0800 151 2012.