After working for up to 50 years before, it may take a while to get used to retirement and adjust to your new lifestyle without having to go to work everyday. There are various things to consider in your retirement, from pensions, benefits, and concessions, through to how to spend your increased leisure time!
Pensions
If you are retired, or are approaching retirement, it's likely that you've looked into pensions before now. If you haven't, it is prudent to look into pensions as soon as possible before your retirement date.
There are a number of services available to you to provide guidance about the different pensions available.
The Pension Service is a service set up by the government to provide you with help and guidance on pension related issues. The service website contains information for people who are retired, approaching retirement, or just planning ahead. The service also has a network of Local Service surgeries around the country where you can drop in to discuss matters such as State Pension, Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and much more.
There are a number of Local Service surgeries in Shrewsbury and Shropshire, visit the service contacts page to find the most convenient drop-in centre for you.
An online Pension Calculator is available to allow you to estimate how much your pension would be based on information you provide, such as how much you contribute per month, your age, and your planned age of retirement.
For further advice on pension related matters, you can contact an Independant Financial Advisor. Unbiased.co.uk can help you find an Advisor in your area.
Care if you need it
Many people, whether retired or not, need help about the home. From home care and meals on wheels, to home adaptions and equipment, there are a variety of services available to help. If you live in Shropshire, Shropshire County Council Social Care team may be able to help.
If you are aged 75 or over you are entitled to a free TV licence. If you have a television set you will still need to hold a TV licence, but the Government will pay for it on your behalf. This licence is not automatically issued, you will have to apply for it.
For more information, please see the TV licensing website or call 0870 241 6468.
Help with winter heating bills
If you are aged 60 or over, an annual winter fuel payment may be available to help you with your winter heating bills. This payment can be up to £200.
If you're over 70, you could be eligible for a one-off payment of £100, and if you are aged 80 or over you may be eligible for a further £100 on top of this.
For more information about winter fuel payments and one-off payments for people aged over 70 and 80, please see the Pension Service website.
Benefits
If you are paying rent and on a low income you may be eligible to receive Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit. You can read more about these benefits and how to claim them in our benefits section.
In addition, you could be entitled to claim Pension Credit. Pension Credit guarantees a minimum income for people aged 60 or over. This credit also rewards those who have put away a certain amount of savings by giving them an additional amount.
You could also check to see if you are entitled to be a Passport to Leisure holder, which entitles the bearer access to leisure facilities at a reduced cost.
http://www.u3a.org.uk/ Website of the university of the Third Age. U3A groups around the United Kingdom aim to encourage lifelong learning for those no longer in full time employment.
http://www.ageconcern.org.uk/ Age Concern support all people over 50 in the UK to ensure they get the most from life.
Age Concern for Shropshire Telford and Wrekin can be contacted as follows;
http://www.age-net.co.uk/ The 'age friendly' website dedicated to the lifestyle and interests of the over 50s with information about hobbies, health and bereavement as well as a chat forum.
Help the Aged is committed to combating poverty, reducing isolation, defeating ageism and challenging poor standards in care. http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/
