Carers' needs Invalid care allowance is for carers of people with disabilities. It is taxable, but does not depend on past payment of NI contributions. Retirement Retirement pensions are paid to women over 60 and to men over the age of 65. State retirement pensions are taxable and depend on the amount of NI contributions paid. Means tested benefits These are benefits designed to support people on low incomes.
Income support is for people with low incomes and small savings.
It is not dependent on NI contributions and will vary according to your age, income and savings. Housing benefit is paid to people on low incomes who need help paying their rent. This benefit is tax free and does not depend on NI contributions. Council tax benefit is for people on low incomes with no more than 16,000 in savings. The social fund helps people on low incomes with limited savings meet the costs of exceptional expenses.