It is a fact that money intended for people on low incomes goes unclaimed by older each year in the UK. How much? A staggering £5.5 billion.

If you are 60 or over, there may be benefits that you are entitled to claim, which would help maintain or even improve your standard of living and independence. This is a quick summary of what benefits you might be eligible for in the 2012-13 tax year.

State Pension: claimable by anyone over State Pension age. This is £107.45 per week for a person with a full National Insurance record.

Pension Credit – Guarantee Credit: claimable by anyone on a low income and (although the age is increasing) 61 in April 2012. Tops up your income to £142.70 for single people, £217.90 for couples.

Pension Credit – Savings Credit: claimable by people of a modest income who are over 65. This is up to £18.54 for singles, £23.73 for couples.

Housing Benefit: claimable by those on low incomes who rent their homes. This could cover rent in full.

Council Tax Benefit: claimable by people on low income. In some cases Council Tax is paid in full

Second Adult Rebate: claimable by people who share a home with someone on low income, who has no joint liability for Council Tax with you and doesn’t pay rent to you.

Disability Reduction Scheme: claimable by disabled people with features in their home to support them.

Other Council Tax exemptions and discounts: claimable by students, carers and people with severe mental impairments.

Winter Fuel Payment: claimable by anyone born before 6 July 1951. This is usually a single payment each year. It is £200 for under-80s and £300 for over-80s, but is less per person if you live with other people who also qualify.

Cold Weather Payment: claimable by anyone who gets Pension Credit or particular other benefits. It is worth £25 a week when the weather is very cold.

The Social Fund: claimable by anyone on low income. There are a number of grants and loans of varying amounts, which are payable dependent upon particular circumstances.

Attendance Allowance: claimable by those over 65 with needs for personal care. It is £51.85 per week for care during day or night. It is £77.45 for care during the day and night.

Disability Living Allowance: claimable by people under 65 with personal care needs or mobility needs. This can amount to up to £54.05 per week for walking difficulties, or up to £77.45 for personal care needs.

Carer’s Allowance: claimable by anyone who cares for someone with a health problem or disability. It is £58.45 per week.

Assistance with Health Costs: claimable by those who receive Guarantee Credit or has a low income. This helps with the costs of prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and similar.