When I retired from the council on health issues (two heart attacks, COPD, rheumatoid arthritis in my knees, shoulders, hands, wrists and shoulders) I was stuffed for income. I contacted a charity called Home Works, they sent a man round to discuss what's what...he returned a couple of days later with a fist full of forms, and sat here best part of the day, we went through the DLA forms, Carers Allowance forms, all sorts of forms. He filled them all in for me and posted them off...all I did was to answer the questions and make the tea.
I now get 90% of my rent paid, 100% council tax rebate, I get full DLA, full Carers Allowance, Pension Credits, Disability Pension, a care package (I have a carer come in for an hour a day) free prescriptions...the list is endless. I'm financially better off now than I was whilst at work.
It's well worth hunting them out (try your local Citizens Advice Centre, they'll give you the contact number) If you have trouble finding them, give me a shout and I'll get in touch with them for you.
Rich