PublicHelp.co.uk
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Support around your life
Older people & pensions
Pensions, later-life benefits, care and help at home.
Start here
1. Choose your nation below. 2. Explore published public support and charities. 3. Read the conditions and use the official provider link to check availability or apply. You do not need to know a programme name to begin.
Government support
Public support guidance related to this need. Check the provider for eligibility and application rules.
Attendance Allowance
Official guidance about help for people with care needs who have reached State Pension age.
Coverage: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Lone Pensioner Allowance — Northern Ireland
Rates allowance for certain older people who live alone or meet the qualifying occupancy conditions.
Coverage: Northern Ireland
Availability: Not the same as means-tested Rate Rebate.
Editorial check: 2026-11-05
Pension Age Disability Payment
Financial support for people of State Pension age who need care because of disability or illness.
Coverage: Scotland
Availability: Current; cannot receive Attendance Allowance alongside it.
Editorial check: 2026-11-05
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
Seasonal payment for people of State Pension age in Scotland to help with winter heating costs.
Coverage: Scotland
Availability: Seasonal; higher incomes can trigger recovery through HMRC.
Editorial check: 2026-11-05
Pension Credit
Check the official eligibility guidance and application route.
Coverage: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales
Winter Fuel Payment 2026–27: heating help for pensioners
Seasonal support for qualifying older people with winter heating costs; some payments may be recovered based on taxable income.
Coverage: England, Wales
Availability: Seasonal; dates and recovery conditions can change.
Editorial check: 2026-11-05
Charitable grants and practical help
Published programmes are different from registered charity organisations. A listing does not guarantee that funding is currently open.
Railway Benefit Fund — Retired Fund
Potential one-off support for eligible retired railway people facing approved later-life costs; documentary evidence and a Lightning Reach profile are required.
Charities and support organisations
Royal Voluntary Service
Volunteer-led community support, particularly for older people and NHS services; availability varies locally.
Royal Charity programmes & services
These are documented services from charities with Royal associations. Royal patronage does not guarantee a grant or personal eligibility.
No published Royal charity services currently match this pathway and nation. Explore all Royal charity services.
Practical guides
Browse all guides on this theme
Attendance Allowance: personal-care needs after pension age — practical guide
Attendance Allowance may help people of State Pension age and older who need support with personal care or supervision.
Bereavement Support Payment
Bereavement Support Payment may support eligible people following the death of a spouse or civil partner.
Carer Support Payment in Scotland
Carer Support Payment is the Scottish benefit for many eligible unpaid carers.
Carer’s Allowance: caring and earnings
Carer’s Allowance may help eligible people providing regular care.
Carer’s Credit: protecting National Insurance record — practical guide
Carer’s Credit can protect a carer’s State Pension record even when they are not receiving Carer’s Allowance.
Checking Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance
Pension Credit supports eligible people over State Pension age on a low income; Attendance Allowance addresses certain personal care or supervision needs.
Funeral Expenses Payment: help after a death
Funeral Expenses Payment may help eligible people with certain funeral costs.
Help with NHS health costs
Some people can get help with prescription, dental, travel or other NHS charges.
Official next steps for this situation
Start with verified provider information and check current application rules. These links are guidance, not eligibility decisions.
Pension Credit
People over State Pension age on a low income may be able to obtain Pension Credit. Entitlement depends on individual circumstances.
Official provider informationAttendance Allowance
Eligible people over State Pension age needing personal help or supervision because of disability or illness may apply.
Official provider informationUseful calculators
Illustrative planning tools, not official benefit entitlement assessments.
For benefit estimates, consult GOV.UK benefits calculator guidance.
Related life situations
Some types of help overlap. Explore another situation without starting over.