Help and support is available and below you will find many useful links to clear and easy-to-understand information that will help answer your questions.

What benefits might I be entitled to?
You can download an information leaflet about benefits for over-60s on the Age UK website.

For more information about benefits for people over 60, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau Adviceguide website.

Find out about all aspects of money, tax and benefits including planning for retirement on the Directgov website.

What about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit?
Many older people do not realise they may be entitled to reductions on their Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Find out about Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for the over-60s by downloading a leaflet on the Age UK website.

Can I claim Pension Credit?
Even if you have some savings you can claim Pension Credit to help top up your income. Download a leaflet about Pension Credit for the over-60s on the Age Concern website.

You can also call the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 for more information.

Where can I find out more about the State Pension?
Find out about the State Pension by downloading a leaflet from the Age Concern website.

You can also call the State Pension helpline on 0845 300 1084 for more information

I think I may have paid in for a pension, but I've lost my paperwork
You can track down any pensions you might have. Find out more on the Directgov website.

Can I get help with NHS healthcare costs?
Even if you are not exempt from prescription or dental charges, you may be entitled to help with prescription and dental costs if you are on a low income. Find out more on the NHS Low Income Scheme website.

You can also find out more on the Directgov website.

Will my Warden service or intercom be paid for?
If you receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit, services such as warden intercom and warden visits can be paid for by the Supporting People Fund. Please ask about this at any St. Leger Homes office.

Am I too old to work?
Link to information about looking for work or starting a business for the over-50s.

My employer says I have to retire, is that right?8

Find out more about retirement and your rights on the Directgov website.

Can I get help with my fuel bills?
If you are over 60 you are entitled to a winter fuel payment. Find out more on the Directgov website If you are aged uner 65, you may qualify for Disability Living Allowance instead. Find out more about Disability Living Allowance on the Directgov website..

I'm caring for someone, can I claim any benefits?
You may be able to claim Carer's Allowance. Find out more on the Directgov website.

I need personal care, can I claim any benefits?
You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance. Find out more on the Directgov website.

Easy-to-understand information about benefits
Visit the Directgov website for clear and straightforward information about what benefits you may be entitled to and how to claim them.

Find out more about claiming benefits
To find out about making a new claim for benefits, ring the Pension Service free on 0800 99 1234, 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday. For more information about benefits you already receive, ring 0845 60 60 265.

For general advice on benefits for disabled people, their carers and representatives, ring the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 2200.

Work out what you might be entitled to
Use our benefits calculator to work out what benefits you might be entitled to.

(Link to benefits calculator needed)

You can also visit our 'Maximise your income' page  to find out what else you might be able to do to increase your income.

Apply online
You can also apply online  for the following benefits:

It is very important to tell the benefits people straight away about any changes in your circumstances or income.

I'm already in debt, what shall I do?

If you are in debt, it is best to get some advice straight away, for example, from your local Citizens Advice Bureau. You can find your nearest bureau here.

St. Leger Homes also works closely with Doncaster West Development Trust who provide a money advice service at various locations throughout the borough. Find out more about St. Leger Homes' partnership with Doncaster West Development Trust and how to make an appointment with an adviser. You can ring them on 01709 868880, or email them at fi@dwdt.org.uk.

For free information and advice about debt, ring National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or visit the National Debtline website.

Also, find out more about how to manage your money on our 'Managing your money' and 'Managing money problems' pages.

Barclays and Help the Aged are working together on a UK wide programme to enable older people to better manage their finances, especially in times of change.

The ‘Your Money Matters’ programme aims to improve the skills, confidence and financial situation of older people by providing basic money management and debt advice.

The objectives of the project are:

• to improve older people’s knowledge, skills and confidence to manage their money (through awareness raising sessions);
• to provide practical, individual assistance to older people to over come money management and debt problems; and 
• to raise awareness of the issues of older people, debt and money management.

Find out more on the Age UK website.