Essential Resources for Pensioners Seeking Financial Help
If you are finding finances a cause of stress even after retirement, you are not alone.
Research reveals that a fifth of Brits still have no pension savings at all, and people near retirement aren’t doing much better.
Pensions can be difficult to navigate and it can be stressful considering other means of income.
Here we’ve broken down some support that is available.
Organisations that help senior citizens
There are many fundraising platforms and nonprofit organisations that help senior citizens with programs and benefits. Below we’ve listed some of these resources and charities you can turn to when you are in need of emergency financial assistance.
Age UK is the leading charity for older people. It has a dedicated portal for people looking for advice about money, pensions and finances.
The Silver Line Helpline run by Age UK is a free, confidential telephone service for older people.
GoFundMe
When you need financial help fast, crowdfunding is your answer. With GoFundMe, there are no long waiting periods to receive your funds and it’s a trusted way for your community to support you or a loved one. Thousands of people start fundraisers every day to get the help they need. From in-home care, to meal services, you can find help on GoFundMe.
Government financial help for older people
Retirement should be a peaceful time, spent from the stresses of working life. Unfortunately, many in retirement worry about how to get help with bills, both for everyday necessities and unexpected emergencies. Thankfully, the government programs listed below provide much-needed financial help for pensioners.
If you’re over State Pension age and have a low income, Pension Credit could help you make ends meet.
Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income. Pension Credit can also help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
If you’re on a low income or receive certain benefits, you can get help paying your Council Tax bill.
Council Tax Reduction (also known as Council Tax Support) is a benefit to help people who are on a low income or claiming certain benefits to pay their Council Tax bill.
You can make a claim whether you own your home or you’re renting, and your employment status won’t have an impact on your claim.
Support for if you’re over State Pension age and need help with personal care because of an illness or disability.
Attendance Allowance is a benefit for people over State Pension age who need help with personal care or supervision because of an illness or disability. There are 2 different weekly rates, and the amount you get depends on how much help you need.
Any Attendance Allowance you receive doesn’t necessarily need to be spent on your care. Many people spend the money on other types of help in the home, or on equipment to help them stay independent. For example, it could help you pay bills, get meals delivered or cover the cost of taxis.
If you’re 75 or over and you claim Pension Credit, you’re entitled to a free TV licence. If you’re visually impaired, you may be able to get a discount.
You need a TV licence to watch or record live programmes on any TV channel, including BBC channels.
Free bus pass and transport concessions
If you’re 60 or over or you have a disability, you might be eligible for public transport concessions – from discounts on your rail journeys to a free bus pass
Help for older people living alone
Many people want to continue to live independently in their own homes but may need assistance with everyday activities like cooking and shopping. Thankfully, there are many programs that help older people living alone.
Your council or other local organisations may provide meals delivered to your home, if you are eligible.
This service is only available in England and Wales, though.
Right at Home provide what is known as domiciliary care at home.
This can range from companionship, to help around the home, cooking and dressing.
Benefits programs for seniors with pets
For pensioners, owning a pet can provide a level of companionship that is essential to health and wellbeing. But owning a pet is costly, and some owners may find themselves worrying about how to get help with vet bills, pet food costs, and vaccinations. Thankfully, there are plenty of organizations that provide financial help for seniors with pets.
Some animal charities help owners struggling with vet bills, either by providing some of the payment or by offering reduced costs through their own clinics. In most cases, you’ll need to fit specific criteria to use them so check first.
People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) provides low-cost and free vet care to the sick and injured pets of people in need.
Dogs Trust offers free and reduced-cost vet assistance for people who are in housing crises or are homeless.
Cat’s Protection offers free and low-cost neutering schemes throughout the UK.
Crowdfunding success stories
Read about how others are using the power of crowdfunding to quickly raise money for those in need.
Sky Dive for Age UK Derby and Derbyshire
Craig Stewart bravely took on the huge challenge of skydiving to raise money for Age UK.
Raising hundreds of pounds, Craig’s proceeds went directly to Age UK.
Raising funds running in the Yorkshire Marathon
Taking part in the Yorkshire Marathon, Simon Holmes raised vital funds for Age UK York.
He was able to fundraise while training and said the ‘cause meant so much’ to him.
Find financial assistance for elderly in need
If you or an older person in your life needs financial aid, we’re here to help. With GoFundMe, you can help the elderly in need fast—without any lengthy applications or deadlines. Sign up today to start your fundraiser, and see what kind of difference you can make in the life of a friend or loved one.