Can You Sign On For Benefits After The Age Of 60?

If you are wondering whether or not you can sign on for benefits after the age of 60, you will find the answer to your question in the following blog post. In addition to answering this question we will also explore the benefits that can be claimed by someone older than 60 years of age, the eligibility criteria for each benefit and review any other forms of support that they can avail of.

Can You Sign On For Benefits After The Age Of 60?

Yes, you can sign on for benefits after the age of 60. However, there are certain means-tested benefits that will take your (and your partner’s) income and savings into account before you can qualify to claim them.

On the other hand, there are some non-means tested benefits that will consider your circumstances as part of their assessment process so that your eligibility can be confirmed.

And then there are disability benefits that are based on one’s physical and mental health condition; as well as any disability that a claimant has. In this case, the claimant needs to undergo a health assessment as well as provide a medical note from their doctor.

For instance, if someone is above the age of 60 and on a low income, they can sign on for Universal Credit to help them with the cost of living. On top of this, if they are unable to meet their housing costs, they can also get additional help by claiming Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.

In addition to this, if they live alone, they can apply for a Council Tax Reduction on the basis of (a) being on a low income (b) being eligible for the single person council tax discount of 25%.

If they also suffer from a physical or mental health condition or a disability that either affects their ability to move around the house on their own or manage daily tasks independently (whether at home or work or both), they can claim disability benefits such as PIP or Attendance Allowance.

Which Benefits Can You Sign On For After The Age Of 60?

Following is a list of benefits that you can sign on after the age of 60:

• State Pension: You claim State Pension if you are of State Pension age. If you qualify, you can claim the basic State Pension of £141.85 a week in the 2022/23 tax year.
• Pension Credit: If you are older than 60, you can claim the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit with an income of at least £182.60 per week. If you are older than 65 and have saved towards your retirement, you can claim the Savings Credit part of Pension Credit for an additional £14.48 per week.
• Universal Credit: If you are on a low income, retired, unemployed or unable to work, you can claim Universal Credit. 
• Cost of Living Payment: If you claim certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Tax Credits, JSA or ESA, you can claim the Cost of Living Payment. This includes three installments of £301, £300 and £299.
• Jobseeker’s Allowance: If you are older than 60 and looking for work, you may be able to claim JSA while you continue with your job search.
• Housing Benefit: If you are on a low income and need help with housing costs, you can claim Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit.
• Winter Fuel Payment: If you are older than 60, you can claim the Winter Fuel Payment to get discounts on your energy bills.
• Cold Weather Payment: This is a benefit that can be claimed by individuals over the age of 60 who are also receiving Pension Credit. The payments can help with fuel and heating costs during the winter season. 
• Attendance Allowance: If you are of State Pension age and need assistance in moving around or performing daily tasks and have a health condition or disability you can claim Attendance Allowance for £61.85 per week.
• Personal Independence Payment: If you are younger than the State Pension age and need help due to a physical or mental health condition, you can claim PIP.
• Carers Allowance: If you take care of someone for at least 35 hours a week (this includes an elderly partner/spouse, you can claim Carer’s Allowance.
• Council Tax Reduction: You may be able to get a discount on your council tax bill if you are older than 60 and live alone, or are on a low income, or you live with someone with a health condition or disability.

To learn in detail about the benefits you can claim and how to apply for them, you can review this guide from Age UK.

What Other Support Can You Get After The Age Of 60?

If you are above the age of 60, you can get support in addition to welfare benefits. This includes the following:

• You can claim the Household Support Fund through your local council to pay for essential items and utility bills.
• You can claim support through the Access to Work scheme if you have a health condition and need help in commuting to work.
• You can qualify for free prescriptions from the NHS. This will save you £8 for each prescription.
• You can get free eye exams and a discount on glasses from Specsavers.
• You can also claim free dental care if you claim certain benefits.
• You can apply for a free bus pass and have your commute expenses covered.
• You can get a discount on train tickets by purchasing a Senior Railcard for £30 per year.

Conclusion:

The above discussion helps to conclude that there are many benefits that you can sign on after the age of 60 but you will not be able to claim them based solely on your age and will have to meet the eligibility criteria for each benefit individually to claim payments.

References:

The best benefits for pensioners and the over 60s | unbiased.co.uk

Benefits and entitlements for pensioners and the elderly | Age UK

Cost of living support: If you’re 60 or over – GOV.UK

Benefits for the over 60s