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Older People Advice

Income top-up

For help and information about income top-up phone the Application Line on : 0800 99 1234.  Click on the link to find out more about Pension Credit


Are you on a low income and paying rent?

If you are on a low income with savings below a set limit (whether or not you are working) and paying rent. you may be entitled to Housing Benefit -which may help pay all or part of your rent.

For help, information and a form call Stirling Council's Customer Services on 01786 443210 or email


Are you on a low income and paying Council Tax?

If you are on a low income with savings below a set limit (whether or not you are working) and paying council tax.  You may be entitled to Council Tax Benefit , which may help you pay all or part of your council tax. If you live with someone who does not pay council tax and you are on a low income you may be entitled to second adult rebate.

For help, information and a form call Stirling Council's Customer Services 01786 443210 or email

Cold Weather Payments  are made during periods of very cold weather. If you or your partner are getting extra money from Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance because:


You are aged 60 or over?
You have a child aged under 5?
You are long-term sick or disabled?

you will get a Cold Weather Payment automatically

The Social Fund - provides lump sum payments, grants and loans.  Savings of £500 or more (£1,000 for those aged 60 or over) may affect how much you get (except for Cold Weather Payments and Winter Fuel Payments).

This is the form of Community Care Grants and Budgeting Loans,.  They are discretionary and not for a standard amount.


Do you have care needs or problems getting about?

You may also be entitled to benefits to meet those needs.  If you have care needs and/or mobility problems and are under 65, you may be entitled to  Disability Living Allowance  (DLA).  You do not have to be actually receiving care to be entitled to DLA.

If you have care needs and are 65 or over, you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance -


Are you a carer?

Carer's Allowance -is paid to people who spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who is severely disabled. Please note:

  • your other benefits may increase or decrease
  • certain benefits for the person you look after may sometimes reduce


Working and disability

If you have a disabilty that puts you at a disadvantage in getting a job and you receive a disability benefit you may be entitled to one or both of the disability elements of  Working Tax Credit

You may also be entitled to help through the Health Benefits Low Income Scheme with health costs (NHS charges, eye care and hospital travel costs).  This is based on the amount of money you have coming in and your savings. People can get help on age or medical grounds or by being in receipt of Income Support, Jobseekers' Allowance (income based) or Working Tax Credit


Advice sites

Citizens Advice -The adviceguide site gives basic information and advice on your rights. It gives you a broad outline of where you stand and what you can do. If your problem is complicated, you will need more detailed advice, for example from a Citizens Advice Bureau.

Age Concern Scotland  - Age Concern Scotland is an independent, recognised charity working throughout Scotland to help make the lives of older people more secure, comfortable, dignified and enjoyable.

Help the Aged - Help the Aged provides practical support to help older people live independent lives, particularly those who are frail, isolated or poor.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is an independent body set up by the Government to help secure civil rights for disabled people. Its statutory duties are:

1. To work to eliminate discrimination against disabled people.
2. To promote equal opportunities for disabled people.
3. To encourage good practice in the treatment of disabled people.
4. To advise the Government on the working of disability legislation (the Disability Discrimination        Act (DDA) 1995 and the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999).

The Pension Service is part of the Department for Work and Pensions and is responsible for a range of benefits and services for pensioners.

Everyone who is aged 75 or over will be entitled to a free television licence for their principle residence.
TV licensing helpline 0845 602 3334