Extra financial help for pensioners and disabled people

Disabled lady in a wheelchair in her kitchen smiling at the camera

If you’re in receipt of state pension and other benefits, there’s extra financial help available to you, especially with energy bills this winter.

Help with energy bills

On top of the £400 that is being knocked off energy bills for households this winter and the Winter fuel payment worth £200-£300, you will receive a further £300 in November or December to help meet your energy costs this winter.

Winter fuel payments are usually automatically paid if you are in receipt of other benefits such as the state pension.

Applications for next year’s Winter Fuel payment (2022/2023) need to be sent in no later than 31 March 2023. You can make a claim over the phone at 0800 731 0160 or apply using the Winter Fuel Payment claim form.

Cost of living help

If you’re a lower-income pensioner, you should have been notified by the Department for Work and Pensions and paid a sum of £650 in an addition to your usual benefits. This was paid in two payments, one for £325 in July and £325 In August.

If you haven’t received these payments, you need to contact your local council to find out how this money can be paid to you.

Further help

Road tax Exemption

If you’re disabled and drive, you can get a 50% discount on your vehicle tax.

And if you get any of the benefits below, you don’t have to pay vehicle tax. But you need to register first before you stop paying your vehicle tax.:

Higher Rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Higher Rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
Enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (ADP)
Enhanced Rate mobility component Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement and
Armed forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

Read more about this exemption before you apply.

PIP

Remember, you can also apply for the standard rate mobility of the Personal Independence Payment. Find out more about the standard rate mobility PIP payment.

Visit the government’s help for households website to find out what other financial help is available to you.