Lifting the worry
Stephen unlocked nearly £7,000 in benefits with just one phone call to Independent Age.
I’m Stephen. I live in Wiltshire with my wife, Margaret. I’m 80 and spent my life working on farms and with horses, including 25 years as maintenance manager at Bath Racecourse. I met the late Queen quite often at the races.
I get the State Pension and another small pension — which should have paid out £400 a month, but it’s only come to £90. Margaret just gets the basic State Pension.
I phoned up Independent Age to ask about Pension Credit. Our combined pensions were getting a bit tight, and we were cutting back on things to pay the bills. Number one was the heating. We sold the car. I grow quite a bit in the garden, so we managed with food costs.
Through Independent Age, we discovered we were entitled to quite a bit more than we thought: the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, Council Tax Reduction and, because we qualified for Guarantee Pension Credit, free eye and dental care. We’re nearly £7,000 richer a year thanks to the benefits.
I was worried before — and it’s been difficult lately with our health — but now I’m happy with how things are going for us financially.
If you are, or someone you know is, struggling,get advice by calling our free Helpline on 0800 319 6789 Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm, or email helpline@independentage.org.
