Older people struggling with household bills are being encouraged to check whether they could qualify for additional financial support or reduce their everyday living costs. National charity Independent Age has published a free 48-page Moneywise guide covering ways pensioners can boost their income, reduce energy bills and access help with housing, travel and unexpected expenses.
The guide also highlights benefits that some older people may not realise they are entitled to, alongside practical advice on switching utility providers, tracing lost money and checking existing direct debits. Independent Age advises: "If you do one thing after reading this guide, make a claim for Pension Credit."
Pension Credit could unlock extra support
The charity explains that even a small Pension Credit award could open the door to additional financial support, including help with housing costs, Council Tax and NHS treatment. The Moneywise booklet covers England and Wales, but Independent Age also provides a separate guide for people living in Scotland.
Pension Credit provides additional financial support to people over State Pension age who are on a low income. Guarantee Credit can top up weekly income to £238 for a single person or £363.25 for a couple during the 2026/27 financial year. These amounts may be higher for people with certain disabilities, caring responsibilities or housing costs.
Reducing energy, broadband and Council Tax costs
People receiving Guarantee Pension Credit may also qualify for additional support, including help with rent, Council Tax, NHS costs and a free TV licence if they are aged 75 or over. Applications can be made online through GOV.UK or by calling 0800 99 1234.
Independent Age recommends reviewing existing gas, electricity, telephone and broadband deals to check whether cheaper alternatives are available. People receiving Pension Credit or certain other benefits may qualify for a broadband social tariff, which can provide a cheaper package than standard commercial deals. The charity also advises older people struggling with energy costs to contact their supplier about available assistance.
Tracing lost money and reviewing payments
Some energy companies operate charitable trusts or grant schemes that can help customers experiencing financial difficulties. Households may also qualify for support through the Warm Home Discount scheme, depending on their circumstances and the eligibility rules where they live.
The guide highlights several circumstances where older people may be entitled to a reduction in their Council Tax bill. People living alone generally qualify for a 25 per cent single-person discount. Some households may also qualify for reductions where a resident has a disability, or where certain occupants are disregarded for Council Tax purposes. People on a low income may qualify for Council Tax Reduction, although eligibility and the amount awarded depend on individual circumstances and local rules. Independent Age advises people to contact their local council to check available support.
Older people are also encouraged to check whether they have lost track of money held in old bank accounts, workplace pensions or insurance policies. The guide highlights the free Pension Tracing Service, which helps people find contact information for pension schemes, and recommends the My Lost Account service for tracing forgotten bank and building society accounts.
Free help from Independent Age
Another recommendation is to review direct debits and standing orders for services that are no longer being used. The charity advises checking bank statements for unnecessary payments and contacting providers about cancelling subscriptions or obtaining refunds where appropriate. Older people may also qualify for discounted travel, including Senior Railcards, bus passes and other concessions.
Independent Age offers free benefit checks through its helpline on 0800 319 6789. The charity can help older people identify financial support they may be entitled to and provide advice about reducing household costs. The full Moneywise guide is available to download free of charge, with printed copies also available to order. People living in Scotland can access the charity's separate Moneywise Scotland guide for information about benefits and financial support available under Scottish rules.
