Could you get more help from the State?

WHILE THE inability to spend as normal during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns has meant some people have benefitted from additional saving every month, for many older people there have been added costs associated with staying at home – such as higher heating and water bills, and helping younger family members who have perhaps lost their jobs, or been furloughed.

People over pension age may also have lost income from part-time or self-employment.

Research by Age UK into the impact of Covid-19 on older people uncovered many examples of depression, loss of hope, low mood, lack of support for meal preparation, deteriorating physical health and increased pain due to untreated health conditions. A sizeable minority of older people also bemoaned their inability to gain pleasure from activities they usually enjoyed, and some said they couldn’t muster the energy and enthusiasm to look after themselves, or their homes, to their usual standards.

If your finances and your health have suffered during the past year, you may be entitled to additional State benefits that may