4 ADDITIONAL STATE BENEFITS

The whole area of state benefits is something of a minefield as they not only depend on your personal circumstances but each government makes regular changes to the rules and regulations. The following is only a guide and you would be advised to contact your local Social Security office to find out exactly what you are entitled to.

Graduated Retirement Benefit

This is based on the amount of Nl contributions you made when the scheme existed between April 1961 and April 1975. If you were an employee and paid graduated Nl contributions you will get a Graduated Benefit Payment. The amount you receive will depend on the number of contributions you paid between the above dates and the value of the unit at the time you claim your pension.

State Earnings-Related Pension Scheme (SERPS)

This is part of the pension which is earnings-related and as a member of SERPS you earn Additional Pension. You are entitled to this Additional Pension if you have paid standard rate Class 1 Nl contributions in any tax year from 6 April 1978 to 5 April 1997 as an employee on earnings between the lower and upper earnings limits. If during this period you or your company contracted out of SERPS into an approved occupational or personal pension scheme, you will still be entitled to the Additional Pension. The calculations for working out this Additional Pension are complex and set out in booklet NP46.

Age Addition

Upon reaching the age of 80, your retirement pension will automatically be increased by an Age Addition.

Christmas Bonus

A tax-free bonus will be paid with your pension shortly before Christmas each year. Only one payment is made for each person. You may get an extra bonus if you are entitled to an increase for your spouse and you are both over state pension age by the end of the week in which the bonus is paid.

Income Support

If you and your spouse, if applicable, have an income which is below a certain level, you may be able to get Income Support. Whereas people under 60 must be available for work this restriction does not apply to people aged 60 or over. Also one should not have savings which currently exceed £12,000. The actual amount you receive would depend on a number of factors such as your age, whether you have a partner, any dependent children, your current income and any other benefits that you are receiving. People on Income Support may also be able to claim Council Tax Benefit, help with mortgage interest payments and funeral expenses. Leaflet IS20 A Guide to Income Support available from your local Social Security office will give you more details.

Winter Fuel Payment

This is a payment made to help with heating costs. Following a European ruling, both men and women will receive this payment automatically upon reaching the age of 60. It is normally paid each November/December and is currently £150 per household.

For other services contact your local council‘s Social Services department, your local advice centre or Age Concern for further information about:

• home care assistants
• meals-on-wheels
• aids to mobility
• social clubs and day centres
• special transport schemes
• residential homes.

5 CONCESSIONS

In addition to pensions and state benefits, there are numerous other concessions available to help you save money. Some of these are applicable from the age of 60, others at the state pension age.

• Prescriptions – free from the age of 60.
• Eye tests – free from the age of 60.
• Rail travel – senior rail cards are available to those 60 or over, allowing you to travel at reduced rates on certain trains at certain times.
• Bus travel – many local transport services offer free or reduced cost travel to pensioners.
• Cinemas – most offer reduced ticket prices from the age of 60 for the afternoon performances.
• Places of interest – the majority of stately homes, castles, museums and other places of interest have concession entry fees.
• Garden centres and DIY stores – a number of these specify one day a week when senior citizens can make purchases at reduced rates.
• Hairdressers – many hairdressers set aside one morning a week and charge reduced rates for pensioners. If you are prepared to act as a model, you can get your hair cut and styled for free at many hair salons.
• Subscriptions – the National Trust, English Heritage and similar organisations have lower subscriptions for older people.

The above are just some of the concessions available, always ask if it is not made clear.