If you have a medical condition or a disability you may be eligible for assisted collections for your waste and recycling (you cannot be a capable adult living in the property).  If supported, a member of the waste collection team will collect your bins and containers for you.  Find out more. 

If you, or your partner are at state pensionable age and have a long-term illness or disability you may be entitled to Attendance Allowance.  This is provided to help with paying for personal care or supervision/help.  It is not means tested and is allocated dependent upon need.  Find out more by clicking here. 

Are you certain you are in receipt of the benefits you are entitled to?  If not, you can do an online assessment which is free, independent and anonymous on the government’s website.  It can indicate any benefits you could be entitled to, how much, and how existing benefits could be affected.  To try it click here. 

Some people are entitled to bereavement support payment when a spouse/civil partner has died if they are under state pension age.  Find out more here. 

If you/your regular vehicle passenger have severe mobility problems you may be eligible to a Blue Badge allowing you to park in disabled bays and in restricted areas (with time constraints).  Find out more or apply here. 

If you believe you need social care because you are finding it hard to manage you should request a care needs assessment by Dudley Council.  This will look at what care services are available which could meet your need.  Your financial capability to pay will also be assessed and you will probably have to contribute towards care needs.  Find out more here. 

As a carer did you also know that it is recommended to register as a carer with your GP?  You should also tell your employer about your caring responsibilities and ensure it is noted on your personnel file.  It is useful to know your rights as a carer as detailed here. 

If you provide care to someone (partner, friend or relative) you may be entitled to receive carer’s allowance.  The receipt of this allowance will be dependant upon money coming in/earned.  If you receive state pension of £83.30 per week you will not be paid this allowance but you will be allocated an ‘underlying entitlement’ (meaning you may get extra money with any means-tested benefits claimed (eg pensions credit or housing benefit).  Find out more here. 

The CA offers free, impartial and confidential advice about debt, legal, housing and consumer issues and are there as an option if you have any issues you need advice about.  Their nearest office is in Stone Street, Dudley (please note they might refer you to Age Concern Stourbridge & Halesowen’s own advice service if you phone or visit the Dudley office).  Their website is full of useful information.   

If you are entitled to a cold weather payment due to receipt of the guarantee or savings credit parts of pension credit this will be automatically awarded to you directly into your bank account.  Find out more. 

If you are on a low income, or receive certain benefits, you may be entitled to a council tax reduction.  There is no set amount as the reduction is dependent upon factors including age, income, savings, who you live with and how much Council Tax you pay.  If you receive a disability or carer’s benefit you may be eligible.  Find out more here.   

Deafness is something that can begin at any life stage, but later life increases the likelihood of hearing loss.  It is important you get your hearing regularly checked and if you have any concerns your GP can refer you for a hearing test.  You may find that a hearing aid may reduce any hearing loss which may be supplied by the NHS.  If you have hearing issues the Deaf Support Service may be able to assist you by providing assessments, information, hints and tips and loan of assistive devices.  Find out more. 

A death in the family is always hard and is something which has steps which need to be followed.  The Government website has webpages which goes through everything in a logical order.  Including registering the death; tell the government; arranging the funeral; bereavement benefits; own benefits/pension/taxes; bereavement support and services; the estate and inheritance tax, probate and dealing with the estate.  Find it here. 

If you are worried you may have/have been diagnosed with dementia then the Dementia Gateway Service run by Dudley Council may be able to assist you/your family and carer(s).  They employ Dementia Advisers who can provide advice on how to live with the condition.  They also have the Crystal Gateway which is a dementia centre/hub based at Brettell Lane which offers activities, social interaction and advice.  Find out more about the service. 

This for children up to 16 years of age, if you have a disability, you may be entitled to help with care and mobility needs.  The amount you receive depends upon the level of support needed.

Dudley Council runs a Disability Service for adults over the age of 18 for anyone with a physical or learning disability, and/or autism.  The aim is to help these adults to live independent, happy and fulfilling lives. Find out more. 

Once you have turned 70 you will need to renew your licence, and then renew every 3 years thereafter.  You will need to declare medical conditions which may affect your ability to drive.  Apply on the DVLA website . 

Did you know that all things Dudley can be found on the Dudley Community Information Directory run by Dudley Council?  It’s an online hub with information about activities, information, support and events across the Dudley Borough.  Categories include:  advice and information; care and support; children, young people and families; employment and volunteering; health and well-being, housing, learning; leisure activities; money; staying safe; transport and what’s on.  If you need a carer, or just details of activities by you, this is an ideal first stop for you.  Find out more. 

You may be considering early retirement and there are a few things you need to consider.  You will be unable to claim state pension until you have reached state pensionable age (check your own state pensionable age here).  If you have a private pension/company pension you may be able to withdraw money from the age of 55 (there may be circumstances eg poor health where you can retire prior to 55) - just note that retiring earlier means ultimately less money in your pension pot.  Find out details of planning for retirement here. 

Dudley Council’s Fall Prevention Team can help anyone over 65 who lives in the borough/is registered with a Dudley doctor who has had a fall or is worried about falling.  They can carry out an assessment, offer help and advice and help restore confidence.  They may refer you to other services to provide additional support.  Find out more. 

The fix-a-home directory is an online list of tradespeople who have been checked out by Dudley Trading Standards to ensure quality of service, cost and overall customer service.  It covers such things as cleaners, gardeners and home maintenance. 

If you are a carer (looking after someone who needs support due to illness or disability) you can find a whole host of advice on the Dudley Council website.  Caring can be really hard and have a real impact upon an individual’s life.  You may be entitled to a carers allowance; Council Tax reductions and can receive a carer’s assessment and possible access to respite care.  You can even join the Dudley Carer’s Hub.  Find out more here.   

This is a great service for anyone struggling to leave home but who loves a good story or fact-based book.  They can be permanently housebound or something more temporary (e.g. post operation).  All you need to do is sign up for free and you’ll be able to access books (including large print), talking books, music CDs, DVDs and jigsaws ….. all delivered to your door. Find out more. 

If you are on a low income, pay rent to a landlord and struggling to cover your rent you may be entitled to housing benefit.  If you are a council housing tenant it is important you let housing services know as soon as possible as the sooner they know - the quicker they can help.  Check your eligibility on the Dudley Council website.   

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate—property, money, and possessions—of someone who has died. In the UK, it is typically charged at 40% on the portion of the estate exceeding a £325,000 threshold (or up to £500,000 if leaving a home to children), with no tax usually due if everything is left to a spouse or charity.  Find out what you need to know. 

This is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf. This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you ‘lack mental capacity’). You can find more about this on gov.uk

The Archives and Local History Service:  we all have so many memories and love exploring them from time to time.  Many people have investigated their family tree, finding out intriguing things about their ancestors’ pasts.  Some individuals have interesting collections relating to the area we all love and do not want these items splitting upon their death.  The archive has loads of information and access to databases open to the local community.  They also accept items/collections which may be of local interest.  Find out more here. 

This is a partnership set up between Dudley Council, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service and local/national charities.  It aims to support vulnerable adults and older people so they remain safe, secure, healthy and independent.  They provide information and advice and loads of practical support services.  You can request a home assessment visit, undertake an online assessment and may be in receipt of safety and security equipment.  Find out more. 

This is the Dudley Council online system which is set up for residents to access over 150 council services, report issues (for instance missed bin collections) and manage payments.  Being online it is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  You need to register to use the service and you will then have login permissions.  Find out more. 

The NHS webpage provides loads of information about the health service.  You can easily change your nominated GP practice (no reason is required), find a dentist and check out any health concerns you have (ring 999 for an emergency; 111 for advice or visit your doctor to talk about symptoms).  Everything health service can be found here. 

If you are a registered carer, a blue badge holder, a UK Armed Forces Veteran, or in receipt of any of the following (this list only highlights some of the qualifying options):  Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Pension Credit (guarantee element) for £12.20 a year you can purchase an Options+ card which allows you half price entry to the Dudley Council operated leisure centres and some shows and CD/DVD hire at libraries.  Find out more. 

Dudley Council will conduct an assessment on your financial capability to pay/contribute towards care.  They can help you to plan for your care needs and you may receive a personal budget if eligible.  Find out more. 

If you receive a state pension and are struggling financially you may be eligible for pension credit.  It is in two parts, Guarantee Credit and Saving Credit.  Guarantee Credit tops up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level.  Savings Credit is extra money if you have some savings or if income is higher than basic state pension (if reached before 6 April 2016).  Find out more.   

These payments are for those who are under state pensionable age and are 16+ and have a long-term illness or disability.  The money is to help with daily activities or getting around.  It is not means tested.  Find out more. 

If you have a pet, you are probably concerned about what will happen to them after your death.  It is important you put something in place as if there is no plan your pets may be seen as part of your estate and placed into an animal shelter.  Ensuring care for pets after an owner's death involves formally naming a guardian in a will, creating a "pet trust," or registering with dedicated charity schemes like the RSPCA Home for Life, Dogs Trust Canine Care Card, Cats Protection Cat Guardian Scheme, or Blue Cross Pet Peace of Mind. Immediate steps include setting up a temporary care plan with friends, family, or neighbours, and providing detailed care instructions (food, vet info) to executors.  

If you need short term help in your own home or are feeling lonely or isolated, the Pleased to Meet You Service could be right up your street!  They offer a range of short-term practical help, advice and support to anyone with a disability/life limiting health condition.  The aim is to help people to live independently in their own home.  There are many ways they can help including visits to the home when a carer is away; picking up medication; assistance following discharge from hospital and help getting out and about in the community  Find out more. 

Over 60s are entitled to free NHS prescriptions.  If you are under 60 you can purchase a prescription prepayment certificate for 3 or 12 months.  This may mean significant savings if you take many medications.  Find out more.  

Probate is the legal and financial process of managing a deceased person's estate—property, money, and possessions—and validating their will. It grants legal authority to executors or administrators to settle debts, pay taxes, and distribute assets. The final document issued by the court is called a "grant of probate" (with a will) or "letters of administration" (without a will).  Find out how to apply for probate. 

As we get older many of us develop health issues which makes living in our beloved home difficult - these could be to do with bathing, getting around your home, leaving your home, etc.  Dudley Council has the Dudley Home Improvement Programme which is dedicated to helping you to adapt your home to make it easier to live within.  Find out more here. 

This is a local support centre in Dudley (Wellington Road) set up by Dudley Council for adults with disabilities.  They offer person centred, tailored support programmes within a relaxed and friendly environment.  At this location you will find Disability In Action, Deaf Support Services, Vision Support Services.  Find out more. 

This is a short-term assessment and reablement service which is free and temporary for up to 6 weeks.  It is designed to help adults regain independence, mobility, and confidence in daily tasks at home, particularly after illness, injury, or hospital discharge. It provides tailored, hands-on support for activities such as washing, dressing, and preparing meals, with a "home first" focus aimed at reducing the need for long-term care.  Find out more. 

Reaching State Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67 by 2028) triggers eligibility for the State Pension, Pension Credit (if on low income), Attendance Allowance for care needs, discounted services and Winter Fuel Payments.  You can continue to work if you wish to as long as your job does not have a compulsory retirement age.  You usually stop paying National Insurance.  You must proactively claim your pension as it is not automatically paid out, but you will receive an invitation letter from the pension service around 4 months prior.  To be eligible you need to have paid at least 10 years NI contributions.  Find out more here. 

It is important to protect individuals who are at risk from abuse, harm or neglect.  They must also be able to make their own decisions and have no threat of coercion.  If you are worried or concerned about how anyone is being treated you must tell someone you trust as soon as possible.  Call 999.  Dudley has a safeguarding partnership which is full of information - so why not find out more? 

 The Dudley Telecare Service was formally known as Homecall - the emergency alarm system which can be worn as a pendant to provide assurance that help is at hand during a fall/illness.  This is now a fully integrated alarm service providing quick and efficient help. It is so much more now, offering a whole range of supportive living solutions through innovation and invention. 

This service allows you to report a death to most government organisations (inc local council) in one go.  When you see a registrar to register a death, they will be able to sort this with you.  Alternatively, they can give you a unique number which allows you to notify them online or by phone in your own time.  Find out more. 

Transport for West Midlands runs a Bus on Demand service which is designed for anyone who finds it difficult to use public transport.  It is a flexible shared bus service which does not operate to a set timetable.  It is booked via an app or telephone.  Find out more. 

If you are 66 or have a disability you may be entitled to public transport concessions (senior rail card/free bus pass).   Apply for your free bus pass here.  If you are disabled you may be eligible if you apply at Transport for West Midlands.  You can purchase a Senior Railcard if you are 66 to get 1/3 off train travel - apply here.  Disabled rail travellers can purchase the same deal here. 

If you are 75 and claim pension credit, you are entitled to a free television licence.  If you are visually impaired you may be entitled to a discount.  Apply online or call 0300 790 6117. 

This now replaces many benefits (including income support, Jobseeker’s Allowance).  You may be entitled if you are on a low income or currently out of work to help cover your living costs.  Find out more. 

This condition affects the middle part of your vision and not the peripheral.  Sufferers can have wet or dry related macular degeneration which is treated differently.  The Macular Society has a whole website devoted to this condition and has a shop where you can purchase aids to make life easier to live with MD.  Find out more. 

As we get older our vision often becomes poorer.  If you are concerned about your eyesight, it is important to see an optician as soon as possible to get an eye test.  The tests they carry out not only checks your vision, they also check your general health and can pick up problems earlier e.g. diabetes.  You can also see your GP to discuss any concerns you have about your eyes.  If a problem is found you may be referred to see an ophthalmologist at the hospital.  Find out more about sight loss on the NHS website.  

If you are identified as sight impaired by a professional you have the option of registration.  This may give you access to additional services and financial help.  Find out how to apply.  

If you receive Pension Credit (or another means tested benefit) you may be entitled to a reduction on your electricity bill through this scheme.  Find out more. 

In the Stourbridge and Halesowen areas the council operates a general waste and recycling service.  As of April 2026, the service changed with the aim of increasing recycling rates.  There is now a food waste collection service.  If you need to check your collection date, check their webpages.  You will also find details about the chargeable green waste collection here.  

It is important to have a will in place as it will dictate what happens to your estate after your death.  A will helps to ensure no more inheritance tax is paid than is needed.  Wills can be made using an at home kit, but the use of a solicitor ensures it is checked and all rules fulfilled.  Find out everything on the gov website.   

If you have reached State Pensionable age you may receive this annual payment to help with heating costs.  This is dependent upon payment by the government and taxable income.  Find out more.