Helping Older People in North Ayrshire and Arran
November 2008
Dear Constituent,
There are a range of entitlements available to older people, many of which have recently been introduced. In this leaflet I have set out some of the main entitlements and how you can claim them.
I hope this is useful.
Best Wishes
Katy
Pension Credit
This is for people aged 60 and over. Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of £124.05 per week if you are single, or £189.35 per week for a couple. In addition pensioners over 65 who have savings may be rewarded for having saved.
People on Pension Credit may be entitled to free dental treatment as well as some other services. For more information call 0800 99 1234.
Housing/Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit is available if you are on a low income. You do not have to be getting any other benefits to qualify. For more information contact your local housing office.
War Pensions Scheme
You may qualify if you have been injured or disabled as a result of your service in the armed forces. To find out more call the service Personnel and Veterans Agency on 0800 169 2277.
Veterans Badge
The government has instituted a Veterans Badge for every person who has served in the Armed Forces. To find out more call Katy’s office on 01505 684127.
Free Passport
This is available to all British citizens born before 02/09/1929. For further information call 0870 521 0410.
Free Bus Travel
If you are disabled or over 60 in North Ayrshire you quality for free unrestricted bus travel throughout Scotland with One Scotland Entitlement Card. People who live in the area covered by Strathclyde’s Concessionary Travel Scheme can also use their entitlement Card to obtain cheaper fares on First ScotRail trains and the Glasgow Subway within the area covered by the scheme. For details contact Strathclyde Partnership for Transport on 0141 333 3211. For new applications call 0870 4288247.
Senior Railcard
This is for people over 60 for £24 per year or £65 for a three year period. A Senior Railcard gives 1/3 off standard and first class travel as well as other benefits. For more information call 08457 48 49 50.
Free Driving Licence
If you are aged 70 or over and due to renew your Driving License, you are now entitled to renew for free. The DVLA will send you a renewal from when your old Licence is about to expire. For further information call 0800 240 0009.
Married Couples Allowance
If you’re married and either you or your partner were born before 6th April 1935 you qualify to claim Married Couples Allowance. For information contact the Inland Revenue on 0845 070 3703.
Free Prescription and Eye Tests
If you are aged 60 or over, you can get free NHS prescriptions and eye tests and may be entitled to help with various other health related costs including free NHS dental treatment, free wigs and free fabric supports. You may also get vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses and refunds of necessary travel costs to hospital for NHS treatment (including check ups). For more information pick up the leaflet “HC11 Are you entitled to help with health costs?” at the local post office or call the Scottish Parliament Older People Helpline on 0845 125 9732.
Free TV Licence
You can receive a free TV Licence if you are aged 75 or over. For more information call the TV Licensing Information Helpline on 0845 602334.
Carer’s Allowance
If you are looking after a severely disabled person for at least 35 hours a week you could get Carer’s Allowance. The disabled person must be entitled to Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (middle or higher rate) for personal care, or a Constant Attendance Allowance if the person is receiving a War Disabled Pension. The weekly payment for those who qualify is £50.55. However eligible carers on benefits get a Carers Premium of £27.75 instead. For more information call the Job Centre Plus Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 316 1653.
Winter Fuel Payment
A Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment to help people aged 60 or over with the cost of heating during the winter. If you are aged 60 to 79 you are entitled to receive a Winter Fuel Payment of £250 per household. If you are 80 or over you are entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment of £400 per household. You should receive your payment automatically in time for Christmas. For more information 0845 915 15 15.
Cold Weather Payment
The Cold Weather Payment provides additional help towards heating costs when there is a cold spell. If you are on Pension Credit or another income related benefit, this could be for you. Payment is made automatically for those eligible when the weather is below 0º for a period of 7 consecutive days. For more information call the local Pension Centre on 0845 606 0265.
Free Central Heating Advice
If you are a homeowner or private tenant aged over 60, you may qualify for this programme. It includes a central heating system if your system has broken down and you are on the guaranteed element of pension credit (this does not apply if you are over 80). If you are a tenant of a public sector landlord, contact your landlord directly. For further information call 0800 316 1653.
Warm Deal Advice
This scheme helps you to insulate your home against the cold paying a proportion of the costs. You may qualify for a grant of up to £500 if you or your husband or wife own or rent your home and receive disability or an income related benefit. If you are over 60 but not receiving benefits, you may qualify for a grant of £125 to find out more phone free on 0800 316 1653.
Contents Insurance
If you are a North Ayrshire Council Tenant over 60 years of age, the council have a special arrangement with Royal & Sun Alliance which you can apply for through the council. It gives cover like flood damage and freezer contents etc. Forms are available in housing officers.
Free Personal Care at Home
If you live at home and think you need personal care, you should ask the Social Work Department (01294 317700) to carry out a Care Needs Assessment. You will not have to pay for any personal care you are assessed as needing. The care would be provided by local authority staff or by an agency commissioned by them. You will still have to pay for non-personal care costs, such as meals on wheels, shopping etc.
If you wish to organise your own personal care you should contact the North Ayrshire Council Independent Living Team 01294 276650.
Living in a Care Home
If you are aged 65 or over and require 24 hour care which has been assessed by North Ayrshire Council, you are entitled to assistance with care home costs. If you have assets of under £13,500 the council will top up your state pension and benefits to a maximum cost of the nursing home of £523.50 per week. If your assets are between £13,500 to £21,500 you receive less towards the costs. If you have assets over £21,500 you will receive £216 per week contribution towards a nursing home place provided North Ayrshire council have assessed you as needing this. If you have a spouse living in your family home, usually its value is not part of your assessment. To get more information or to discuss your needs you should contact your Social Work Department 01294 317700.
Katy Clark MP
53 Main Street
Kilbirnie
KA25 7BX
Phone: 01505 684127
E-mail: clarkk@parliament.uk
Website: www.katyclarkmp.org.uk
