Even though I’m still under 30 years old, I have started saving my hard earned cash towards my pension in the hope that when I reach the age of sixty I can put my feet up and live comfortably for the remainder of my life. Hopefully by that time the economy will be in a better state than it is today.
If you’re a pensioner today then there are £65 billion pounds worth of benefits available to you, so its worth reading on if your unaware of every penny that you could be entitled to.
This winter was one of the coldest recorded in 30 years. On top of this in the last 10 years gas and electricity prices have risen to extortionate prices. Even though many companies are now lowering their supplies to their customers these prices are still way over the amount that is paid by companies such as British Gas and Eon. Customers are still losing out in a big way. If you are 60 years old or over you may be entitled to an Annual Winter Fuel Payment which will give you money towards helping out with your gas and electricity bills. If you haven’t already claimed for this you will need to check out the pensions service government website and fill out an application before the 30th March 2009
If you are aged over 70 years and have little insulation in your home then you could be entitled to free loft insulation that could save you hundreds. Check out the National Insulation Association website for approved installers in your local area.
If you are 60 years and over you are entitled to free prescription for an illness. Also if you are under 70 years of age you can take advantage of receiving two eye tests for free within the year. If you are over 70 you can only receive one eye test. But on top of this many large spectacle chains offer further discounts for pensioners. Try Spec-savers who give up to 30% off on glasses.
Unfortunately if you live in England free dental prescriptions are not valid however over in Wales you can receive free dental treatment.
Two words that everyone hates in the U.K. are T.V. license, but if you are over 70 you no longer need to pay this. That’s a great saving in itself as a typical licence for a colour TV costs £139 a year.
If you are currently claiming for the basic state pension you may also be eligible for the pension credit. If you qualify for this, other benefits could come your way such as housing benefit, council tax benefits, cold weather payment, funeral payments, free NHS treatment and community care grants.
I hope this helps our readers, for further information check out the government websites. |