Support coping with rising living costs

Older People

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Support with income and benefits for Pensioners 

Check if you’re eligible for Pension Credit 

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit which tops up weekly income for those who are of state pension age.  

Pensioners may be entitled to Pension Credit even though they may have modest savings, or a retirement income or own their own home  

An award of Pension Credit can also passport pensioners to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax, and for those aged 75 or over, a free TV licence.  

Pension Credit also provides extra support for heating costs such as The Warm Home Discount Scheme and Cold Weather Payments too.  

Use the Pension Credit calculator to find out how much Pension Credit you or someone you know may be entitled to – without giving any personal details.  

More Benefits and Discounts 

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment - Annual payment to help pensioners in Scotland with heating costs. Amount varies based on eligibility.  

Winter Heating Payment - Annual payment for people on low-income benefits who might need extra help with heating during the winter.   

Free or Discounted Bus Travel for Over-60s - Free or reduced fares for residents aged 60 and over through the National Entitlement Card scheme. 

Free TV Licence for over-75s - You can apply for a free TV Licence if you are 75 years or older, or if you or your partner live at the same address and receive Pension Credit.  

Get Support with Pension Credit and Benefit Applications 

The Welfare Rights team at Midlothian Council or Citizen’s Advice Bureau can give you advice about benefits you might be entitled to such as Pension Credit, Carer’s allowance supplement, funeral support payments or adult disability payments. They can also give you information about grants such as the Scottish Welfare Fund for people in crisis. 

Avoiding Scams 

Age Scotland's Avoiding Scams Guide - describes the main types of scams and what to look out for. It also tells you what you can do if you think you have been scammed. 

Staying Connected, Active and Social 

Silverline – Friendship calls and advice for those aged 55 and over. Available 24 hours a day, every day.  

  • Call 0800 470 8090 (FREE)  

Connect Online - helps people over 50 with technology such as smartphones, tablets and laptop. With the help of volunteers it offers drop-in digital skills sessions and home visit tuition to people who are housebound or who are carers. For anyone without a device it has a digital device lending library which includes mobile wi-fi and sims for phones.   

Ageing Well Midlothian - Activities, exercise, walking and talking groups for over 50s. 

Grassy Riggs -   a drop-in service for over 65s at the Woodburn Community Hub, offering homemade soup and scones, social activities and friendship on Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am. 

Red Cross Activity Calendar – a monthly calendar of events including lunch clubs, arts and crafts, walking, friendship, exercise, and poetry groups. Red Cross can also support you to attend group.  

  • Call 0131 654 0340 if you would like a calendar 

Age Scotland - get free, confidential advice over the phone for older people, their carers and families in Scotland. 

Stay up to date with Older Peoples’ Services 

Winter Newsletter for Older People - provides useful information including links to local organisations, tips to reduce the risk of falling, and suggestions for support for those worried about energy prices or the cost of living. Free copies are also available from Midlothian libraries. 

Additional resources for Older People 

 

Return to Cost of Living Homepage & Map

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