EASY TRICKS TO BOOST YOUR PENSION

AS I know from a number of pensioner friends, the rising cost of living is making life much harder.

So it’s more vital than ever to ensure you get all the benefits and help you’re entitled to. If you’re on a low income you may be entitled to Pension Credit. It’s made up of two parts: Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit and no tax is payable on either. Check how to claim for this at gov.uk/pension-credit.

The Winter Fuel Payment is even more important as bills go up. Those born on or before September 25, 1956 qualify for it. Check gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment for the eligibility criteria. If you qualify for Pension Credit or certain other benefits, you could also be entitled to Cold Weather Payments.

You can find out more at gov.uk/coldweather

Some over-65s don’t realise that they’re eligible for Attendance Allowance. This is a weekly payment from the Government for those who need help with personal care because of an illness or disability to qualify.

It’s only for those who’ve reached state pension age.

Call the Attendance Allowance helpline on 0800 731 0122 (textphone: 0800 731 0317) to get a form or download it from gov.uk/ government/publications/ attendance-allowance-claim-form.

As we move homes over the years, and change jobs, it’s easy to forget about old company pensions we paid into. You can trace old pensions on the Government’s Pensions Tracing website gov. uk/find-pension-contact-details

You can get a lot of help from AgeUK ( ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/) which has a free online benefits booklet or call 0800 055 6112. Citizens’ Advice also has information on getting help citizensadvice. org. uk/ benefits/ as does Independent Age independent age.org/information/money.