Health and welfare support

Government health and welfare support and benefits

Government support

Benefits

The Government offer a range of benefits depending on your needs. Since the new Government some of the benefits available have changed and are no longer available, so it is worth checking out what is now available and what you may be eligible for.

Find out if you can get Government funded benefits and how to claim visit the Benefits calculators.

Support with living costs

Find out what support is available to help with bills and costs in England. This includes support with utility bills, support from your local council and Council Tax Reduction. Cost of living support: Living costs: bills, housing and health - GOV.UK

Support for those who are disabled or have a health condition

Find out what support is available if you're disabled or have a health condition in England. This includes disability benefits, the Disability Cost of Living Payment and support with prescriptions and health costs.

Cost of living support: If you're disabled or have a health condition - GOV.UK

Support for those aged over 60

Find out what support is available if you're 60 or over in England. This includes checking your eligibility for Pension Credit, discounted travel and how to check your State Pension. Cost of living support: If you're 60 or over - GOV.UK

Pension Credit

Claiming Pension Credit is important because it means you may also get:

  • A free TV licence if you’re 75 or over
  • Help with NHS costs (like dental treatment, glasses, and transport)

How to claim Pension Credit

Call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 (freephone). They will ask you for the following information, so please have any paperwork ready before you call:

  • Your National Insurance Number
  • Information about your income, savings and investments
  • Your bank account details

If you cannot hear or speak on the phone, use Relay UK: 18001 then 0800 99 1234.  A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the telephone.

You can also claim Pension Credit on the official Government website: How to claim Pension Credit.

Support with claiming Pension Credit

We are working with Age UK Surrey to help older residents across Surrey. If you would like help applying for Pension Credit, please contact Age UK Surrey on:

Enquiries Phone Number: 01483 503414

Text: 07593 139560

Email: enquiries@ageuksurrey.org.uk

Post: Age UK Surrey, The Clockhouse Community Centre, Chapel Lane, Milford, Surrey GU8 5EZ

I’ve received a letter about Pension Credit this summer

Together with some district and borough councils and Age UK we have recently sent a letter to those residents who we believe are eligible for Pension Credit but aren’t currently claiming it.  If you have received a letter, we would strongly encourage you to apply for Pension Credit.

Winter Fuel Payment update for Winter 2025

If you were born before 22 September 1959 you could get between £100 and £300 to help you pay your heating bills for winter 2025 to 2026. This is known as a ‘Winter Fuel Payment’.

If you're eligible you will receive the Winter Fuel Payment automatically , in most cases you do not need to apply.  Eligible  recipients will receive a letter in October or November confirming how much money they will receive, with payments automatically being paid in November or December.

If your income is over £35,000 His Majesty's Revenues and Customs (HMRC) will take your Winter Fuel Payment back. To see if your income is over the threshold and how HMRC will take it back, you can complete a check here: Check if HMRC will take back your winter payment – Guidance – GOV.UK.

You can  also choose to opt out of getting all future Winter Fuel Payments. To opt out you need to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre before 15 September 2025.

For more information on the Winter Fuel Payment, please visit: Winter Fuel Payment: Overview - GOV.UK

Cold Weather payments

If you're getting certain benefits or Support for Mortgage Interest, you may be able to get a Cold Weather Payment if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0OC or below over seven consecutive days. 
The scheme for 2025/2026 winter season will run from 1 November 2025 to 31 March  2026. Cold Weather Payments are different to Winter Fuel Payments. Find out more about the Cold Weather Payment: Overview - GOV.UK

Support for those with children or are expecting a child

Find out what support is available with childcare and maternity costs in England. This includes free childcare hours and free school meals.

Cost of living support: Childcare and maternity costs - GOV.UK

For more information on help with childcare costs, free school meals, school uniforms, holiday clubs visit Surrey County Council Free School Meals and Pupil Premium Benefits web pages.

Local council support

If you need help with Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support please contact your local District and Borough Council. To find your local council and see what help and support is available, visit our Surrey County Council - Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support web pages.

Help with managing finances

Help with your income

For full details and information on income support Income support - Help for Households

Help if you cannot pay your tax bill - visit online the HMRC If you cannot pay your tax bill on time: Overview - GOV.UK

Money Helper website is the Government's money manager tool that gives you free confidential money help that's quick to find. It offers impartial guidance and a range of tools to help make your money and pension choices clearer.

There are a number of local charities available that can give confidential support and advice to anyone worried about loans, credit and debt. Visit the Connect to Surrey Support debt advice results to find one near you.

Breathing Space

Anyone with debt problems can get support, and space from creditors with Breathing Space. It provides temporary protection from most types of debt collection, and added protection if you are receiving mental health crisis treatment. Find more information about Breathing Space on our Breathing Space debt support webpage.

Be Scam Aware

Criminals will try a variety of methods to gain your personal or banking information so please be aware of who you share your details with. Do not click links or reply to unsolicited texts or emails. For further scams advice please see the Surrey County Council Trading Standards website.

Trading Standards have a fortnightly newsletter where you can keep up to date with the latest scams, product recalls and alerts about rogue traders. Trading Standards newsletter.

Benefits and financial support if you're caring for someone

If you regularly spend time caring for someone, you might be able to get to help with your living costs. Find out what support is available by visiting  Help for carers - GOV.UK.

Did you find this information helpful?

Rating Did you find the information helpful?

We aren't able to reply to individual comments, so please don't include any personal details.