How to Stretch the Benefits of Age
As you get older, chances are you’ll start becoming eligible for various benefit packages offered by the government. This could happen in a number of ways, from retirement to ill health, but it’s important to know what’s available to you. These benefits are there for a reason, and they can really help you maintain a great quality of life whilst saving money and allowing you to plan for the future. Here are just a few ways you can stretch the benefits given to you for age and health reasons – as with all things in life, it’s important to make the most of them in every way you can!
Healthcare
Did you know that you could be eligible for free prescriptions before you even reach retirement age? Anyone over the age of 60 is entitled to free prescriptions on the NHS – and it doesn’t stop there. If you have any chronic health condition or receive disability benefits of any kind, it’s worth checking the precise rules around these as well. Often, conditions that require long-term care are also exempt from prescription fees, and benefits can include waiving these fees. It’s important to check as you don’t want to end up paying when you don’t need to. Every little bit adds up quickly, and it could make a massive difference over the course of a year.
Travel
As you get a bit older, one of the effects can be that you find it a little harder to get around. For many people, this can feel difficult to accept, and you will want to keep as much mobility and autonomy as you possibly can. Luckily, there are systems to help you do this and save money at the same time. Free bus passes are available to anyone over state pension age, for a start. If you’re on a disability benefit, you can also use this to pay for a Volkswagen Motability car to keep driving in style. For many people, this is a fantastic way to stretch that benefit, as the Motability scheme offers insurance, breakdown cover and a new car every three years – a much better deal than any other! It’s also important to check if you’re eligible for disabled parking, as this can save you money on parking meters, as well as saving your legs from long walks to the shops.
Home and heat
Feeling safe and comfortable in your home is an incredibly important part of every person’s life, and this only increases as you get older. However, another thing that can increase as you gain in years can be your sensitivity to the cold! It’s all very well wrapping up in thermals and thick socks, but feeling chilly in your own home isn’t great for anyone’s health. As a pensioner or someone with a health issue, you could well be eligible for a grant to help with your heating and insulation – and you might not even know it! Make sure to research this and apply if you think you could benefit. Every little helps, and this is a fantastic way you can save your money and your health all at the same time.
*This is a collaborative post.
