Every year, millions of pounds in benefits goes unclaimed by older people in Northern Ireland. Some are put off by the claims process, others simply don’t know what support is available to them. Make sure you're not one of those missing out.

Help pay for care or bereavement

• Attendance Allowance - Attendance Allowance is a benefit to help older people who need extra help to stay independent at home because of an illness or disability.
• Carer's Allowance - Carer's Allowance is the main benefit to help carers, and even if you don’t think of yourself as a carer, you may still be able to claim it.
• Health benefits - Everyone is eligible for free NHS prescriptions in Northern Ireland, but you may be entitled to help with other NHS health costs too.
• Disability Living Allowance - Disability Living Allowance is a benefit for disabled people, but it’s slowly being replaced by Personal Independence Payment.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) - Disability Living Allowance is being replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people of working age.
• Bereavement benefits - If your husband, wife or civil partner has died, you may be able to claim bereavement benefits.

Help boost income

• Centenarian Bounty - The Centenarian Bounty is awarded to people living in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland on their 100th birthday.
• Pension Credit - Pension Credit is an income-related benefit to give you some extra money in retirement.
• Universal Credit - Universal Credit is a new benefit gradually being introduced nationally. It will eventually replace many existing benefits.
• Employment and Support Allowance - Employment and Support Allowance is a benefit for people who are unable to work due to illness or disability.
• Income Support - If you’re under Pension Credit qualifying age and living on a low income, you could benefit from Income Support.
• Jobseeker's Allowance - Jobseeker’s Allowance is a taxable benefit to support people who are actively looking for work.

Help pay bills

• Winter Fuel Payment - You might be entitled to the Winter Fuel Payment to help with your heating costs.
• Public transport concessions - Free travel is available to everyone in Northern Ireland aged 60+ with a SmartPass card.
• Housing benefit - Housing benefit is money to help people on a low income to cover their rent and sometimes other housing costs like service charges.
• TV licence concessions - You could be entitled to a concession if you're 75 or over, blind or sight-impaired or living in certain accommodation.
• Finance Support Service - The Finance Support service is available if you are faced with a cost you are unable to meet because you are living on a low income.
• Cold Weather Payment - If you're getting certain benefits you may be eligible for Cold Weather Payments when the weather is very cold.
• Help with Rates - Help with Rates for Owner Occupiers.
• Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA) - The LPA scheme provides a 20% reduction on the rate bill for persons aged 70 or over who live alone.
• Support for Mortgage interest - Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) is a benefit that helps to pay towards the interest on a mortgage or other eligible home improvement loans.

Age NI Advice Service

Every year our Advice Service deals with thousands of calls from older people in need. Call us today to make sure that you are receiving all the help and support available to you.

Call freephone 0808 808 7575Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm