Welfare benefits for the elderly

Coronavirus (Covid-19) impact on welfare benefits

Coronavirus (Covid-19) has had an impact on welfare benefits, and the criteria may now be different depending on an individual’s circumstances.

This area of law is complex. Our specialist Elderly Client team can advise you and your family members on eligibility for the latest benefits and Universal Credit.

Welfare benefits and Universal Credit

The Benefits system is changing. Universal Credit will apply to people of working age, but it has a knock on affect for older people.

The Welfare Reform Act 2012 abolishes Tax Credits and Housing Benefit, but Pension Credit will instead include a housing element.

Below is a list of benefits available for the elderly under the new regime:

• State Pension
• Pension credit
• Attendance allowance
• Personal Independence Payment
• Industrial disablement benefit
• Carer’s allowance
• Widowed parent’s allowance
• Bereavement allowance
• Bereavement payment

Universal Credits – what does this mean for the elderly?

• Abolition of Housing Benefit
• Abolition of Tax Credits
• Abolition of Council Tax Benefit
• Replacement of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) by Personal Independence Payment (PIP). [Previous DLA claimants may be transferred to PIP]
• Abolition of the Social Fund

We will be able to advise you of your possible entitlements, as well as current payment rates and talk about Universal Credit, when we see you at a meeting.

Choose Furley Page for benefits advice for the elderly

Our specialist team can advise on the benefits available for elderly clients to ensure they are claiming all benefits to which they are entitled.