18 March 2010
This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Depending on how long your neighbour has been ill and the type of help he needs, he may be able to claim Attendance Allowance if he's 65 or over (or Disability Living Allowance if he is under 65). Neither of these benefits is means-tested so any capital he has will not be taken into account if he makes a claim.
Your neighbour may also be eligible to claim Pension Credit. Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit, so capital such as savings is taken into account in the assessment. If he pays rent for his accommodation, he can claim Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Your local social work department can make an assessment of your neighbour's needs. It may be able to arrange help in a number of ways, for example, having rails or lifting equipment fitted to the bathroom, or having someone come to visit on a regular basis.
Your neighbour may also be entitled to help with health costs and visits to hospital.
For more information about benefits for older people, including Pension Credit, see Benefits for people over sixty.
For more information about Housing Benefit, see Help with your rent - Housing Benefit.
For more information about Council Tax Benefit, see Help with your council tax – Council Tax Benefit.
For information on help from social services, see Community care.
For more information about help with health costs, see Help with health costs.
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