Support and services for over 60s
Over 60s living in Leeds NE may find the information below helpful.
| Service | Details | Find out more |
| Basic pension |
Pre April 2009
Single pensioner £90.70 pw Couple £145.05 pw From April 2009 Single person £95.25 pw Couple £152.30 |
Freephone 0845 60 60 265
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk |
| Winter fuel allowance |
Introduced by the Labour Government in 1998. The allowance is not subject to tax.
Everyone is eligible who is 60 by the 21st September. The fuel allowance is now £250 per household for people aged 60 to 79, and £400 per household where the senior citizen is aged 80+. The allowance is paid automatically before 25th December each year. |
Winter fuel payment helpline 08459 15 15 15
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk |
| Free medicines | Persons over 60 receive free NHS prescriptions. | |
| Free eye tests | The Labour government has restored free eye tests for every person over 60 years of age. Support is also available for the purchase of glasses or contact lens. | Speak to your optician or go to www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk |
| Free bus travel | The Labour government has extended free bus travel for over 60s anywhere in England outside the morning rush hour. | Apply in Leeds at any post office or bus station travel centre. For further information on what you need to provide go to West Yorkshire Metro |
| Free TV licence | Available if you are 75 or over saving you currently £139.50 |
TV licencing information helpline
0845 603 6999 |
| Free driving licence | Drivers over 70 do not pay a fee when renewing their driving licence. A renewal form is out when your licence is due to expire |
DVLA helpline 0870 240 0099
www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring |
| Pension credit |
Gurantees every senior citizen a minimum weekely income. It depends upon the level of personal savings (less than £6000 is not counted) but not the value of the home in which you live.
Single person credit £124 pw Married couple: £189 pw |
Apply for pension credit call 0800 99 1234
www.thepensionservice.gov.uk |
| Free home energy advice |
Grants are available for persons over 60 to receive up to 25% of the cost of home insulation. People over 80 can have an inefficient heating or boiler replaced free of charge.
|
Warm deal helpline 0800 316 6009
or go to Warm Deal Scheme |
| War disablement pension | If you were injured or disabled in the armed service you may be entitled to a tax-free War Disablement Pension |
Helpline 0800 169 2277 or 0800 169 3458
www.veterens-uk.com |
| Health advice | Comprehensive web site developed in the West Midlands offering electronic quality information for patients. | Electronic quality information for patients. www.equip.nhs.uk |