Coping with Disability as a Pensioner

There are many difficulties associated with growing old: an increased sense of isolation from the community, loneliness, concern for health and worries about safety. These issues may seem even more insurmountable if you are facing retirement with a physical or mental illness. If you are concerned, contact SeniorLine on 0808 800 6565.

There are many sources of help for disabled people of any age: you may consider some are more relevant to you now that you are approaching retirement. New Deal for the Disabled can assist you with returning to employment, as discussed in Entitlement to a State Pension. You can also apply for state benefits, including Attendance Allowance, as discussed in State Pension and Disability Benefits.

You should consider contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau, found in your local telephone book, to enquire about the extra help that is available for disabled people. Help available includes disabled parking permits, a Disabled Person's Railcard entitling you to a third off standard train journeys, a TV licence reduction of fifty percent for blind people, Council Tax reductions for disabled residents, and government grants to enable you to adapt your home for your needs, perhaps by installing a wheelchair ramp to enable easier access. You can also contact SeniorLine for assistance from advisors trained to help people of retirement age, on 0808 800 6565. Most importantly, be sure to discuss your concerns with someone who can help: you may think that there is no assistance available, but give yourself the chance to be pleasantly surprised and do not suffer in silence.