Disabled pensioners and carers
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer's Allowance
- Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
- War Disablement Pensions
- Veterans' issues
- War Widow's or Widower's Pensions
Attendance Allowance
Phone 0800 88 22 00
(Textphone 0800 24 33 55)
You can claim Attendance Allowance if you are aged 65 or over and have needed help looking after yourself for at least six months. If you are under 65, you may be able to claim Disability Living Allowance.
It is an allowance you can get to help you with personal care - such as getting in and out of bed, or eating. Or you may need someone to help you prevent accidents in the home.
Find out more about Attendance Allowance on the Directgov website, or get a claim form from The Pension Service or your local social security office
You can get help filling in your claim form by calling 0800 88 22 00 (Textphone 0800 24 33 55). The line is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, and from 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday.
A textphone service is also available for people with hearing difficulties on 0800 24 33 55.
The line is open from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Thursday and from 9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday.
You can also call this number for general information on disability benefits.
Carer's Allowance
Phone 01253 856 123
(Textphone 01772 899 489)
If you are looking after a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week, you could get Carer's Allowance.
Find out more about Carer's Allowance and how to apply on the Directgov
website or phone 01253 856 123. The line is open
from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and from 9.00am to 4.30pm on Friday.
You can also get a claim form from The Pension
Service or your social security office
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit
Phone 0845 300 3900
Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit were introduced in April 2003. Child Tax Credits supports families who have at least one child, whether or not the adults in the family are at work. It is paid on top of Child Benefit.
Working Tax Credits provides support for working people on low incomes, including people who do not have children.
Find out more about Tax Credits on the HM Revenue and Customs website or phone the Tax Credits Helpline on 0845 300 3900.
War Disablement Pensions
Phone 0800 169 22 77
(Textphone 0800 169 34 58)
You may be entitled to a War Disablement Pension if you have been injured or disabled during a time of war, or as a result of your service in Her Majesty's Armed Forces.
You may be able to receive a range of other allowances with the basic War Disablement Pension if you meet certain conditions (for example, care or mobility needs).
Find out more about War Disablement Pensions and how to claim on the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency website or phone the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Freeline on 0800 169 22 77. The lines are open from 8.15am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8.15am to 4.30pm on Friday. If you are calling from overseas, dial +44 1253 866043.
Veterans' issues
Phone 0800 169 22 77
(Textphone 0800 169 34 58)
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency uses the term 'veteran' to mean anyone who has served in Her Majesty's Armed Forces - regardless of whether they served in war or during peacetime, or were volunteers, Reservists or National Servicemen.
As well as running the War Pensions Scheme, the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency also provides information and advice on any issues of concern to veterans and their families through its free helpline.
On top of the help the Government provides, there are many long-standing ex-service charities that provide help for veterans. Some charities have a national network of voluntary welfare caseworkers, others specialise in areas such as employment, housing and helping veterans with mental or physical disabilities.
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency can also provide help and advice on a wide range of subjects and can send your enquiries to the appropriate organisation.
If you are a veteran, or a relative of a veteran, and you need help, you can phone the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency 's free helpline on 0800 169 22 77. The lines are open from 8.15am to 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday and from 8.15am to 4.30pm on Friday. If you are calling from overseas, dial +44 1253 866043.
Find more information on the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency website
War Widows' or Widowers' Pensions
Phone 0800 169 22 77
If your husband's, wife's or civil partner’s death was as a result of service in Her Majesty's Armed Forces or a war, you may qualify for a War Widows' or Widowers' Pension under the War Pensions Scheme. You may also be able to get extra allowances or help with funeral costs.
Did you know...?
People over 75 can apply for a free TV licence?
See our Travel and leisure section for more information.