Frequently asked questions
Our Information and Advice staff are often asked the questions shown below, whilst typical questions put to our Residential and Nursing Home Advisory Service are shown on a separate page
Q. I am newly retired. What should I claim now I'm 65?
A. The State Pension is the main income, which is based upon National Insurance contributions -Age Concern Factsheet 19
Many pensioners are entitled to additonal payments to top this up, under the Minimum Income Guarantee. This is also known as Income Support, and needs to be claimed by completing a form available from the Department of Social Security, and is dependent upon income and savings - Age Concern Information Sheet 16
The Minimum Income Guarantee Helpline telephone number is 0800 028 11 11
An overview of what may be available is given in Age Concern Factsheet 18 - A Brief Guide To Money Benefits, and is contained within the Age Concern book - Your Rights 2002/2003
You should also check your tax code - you may get an age related personal allowance - Age Concern Factsheet 15
You may be eligible for Council Tax Benefit if you live alone, or are on a low income
Age Concern Factsheet 21
If you're over 60 you get free prescriptions and eye tests.
You could get free NHS dental treatment - Age Concern Factsheet 5, wigs, fabric supports and help towards the cost of glasses if you're on Minimum Income Guarantee. If you have less than £12,000 in savings you may get help through the NHS low income scheme. Ask for leaflet HC11 from your local Post Office or Social Security Office.
Help with travel costs. You should get a free bus pass, allowing at least half price bus fares from your local authority - Age Concern Factsheet 30
Most national museums and galleries are free to the over 60s. Contact the enquiry line on 020 7211 6200 for details.
Q. My mother has recently suffered a stroke, and has been in hospital with a number of health problems. What help and equipment can I get to make sure she can remain in her own home for as long as possible?
A. You or your mother should contact your local Social Services Department and arrange for a Community Care Assessment. They may be able to provide services such as Home Care, Day Care and meals
Age Concern Factsheet 6 and Factsheet 32
Age Concern Leicestershire & Rutland provides Day Care for clients referred by the local Social Services Department, or Community Mental Health Team.
There may be aids and adaptations to her house, such as rails, raised seats, bathboards, and other equipment that my be provided by the Social Services Department.
Age Concern Factsheet 42
If she needs help with walking, the NHS should provide mobility aids, for example a wheelchair, frame or walking stick. You should contact your G.P.
If she needs help with personal care, she may qualify for Attendance Allowance (for people 65 and over) or Disability Allowance (for people under 65) towards the extra costs arising from an illness or disability. To qualify she must need personal care, or must need supervision, and/or have difficulty getting around.
Claim forms are available from your local Department of Social Security Office.
Age Concern Factsheet 34
Q. How does my age affect my driving licence?
A. Once you're 70 the DVLA will automatically send you a driving licence renewal form. This includes a questionnaire about your health. You must inform the DVLA of any changes to your health which affect your ability to drive. Then you must reapply for your licence every three years, at a cost of £6 for a three year licence.
Phone 0870 240 0009 for details.
Q. When do I get my free TV licence?
A. From the start of the month of your 75th birthday. TV Licencing will pay for your TV licence. When you're 74 and your existing licence comes up for renewal you can get a short terem licence. You can either apply with the paperwork on your short term licence, or ring the information service on 0845 602 3334. They will send you a refund if due and your free licence, which will automatically be renewed. Age Concern Factsheet 3
Q.How do I make a will?
A. Age Concern Factsheet 7 - Making Your Will, provides information for anyone wanting to make a will. Most agencies advise going to a solicitor, although you can prepare your own. Many charities have will writing services. Age Concern England provide a will writing service. Telephone 020 8765 7530.
Free legal advice may be obtained through the Community Legal Service. Call them on 0845 608 1122 for details of local solicitors who work under the scheme.
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Q. I'm 62, no longer in work after a fulfilling career, but am still interested in keeping my skills and making best use of my experience. What can I do?
A. You could try either voluntary or paid work. You can continue to draw your pension and work, either paid or voluntary, although your pension will count as taxable income.
The New Deal 50 is to help people over 50 who wish to work.You should be on benefits for more than 6 months to qualify, and can get help finding work and an employment credit of £40 or £60 per week. Contact your local jobcentre for more details.
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Voluntary work is another rewarding, and often fun, way to make use of your skills, learn new ones, and meet new people. We are looking for volunteers to work in day care, shops, lunch clubs, office/admin work, fundraising and visiting schemes. Out of pocket expenses and training are provided.
For other voluntary opportunities in your area contact your local volunteer bureau.
Q. What help can I get towards the cost of heating when winter comes?
A. If you're over 60 you may be eligible for a Winter Fuel payment in cold spells. Most people get automatic payments, but some may need to claim.
Telephone 0845 9151515 for more details.
There are also Cold Weather Payments, which are extra help towards the cost of heating for people on Income Support or other income related benefits. The Department of Social Security will pay this automatically when the average temperature in your post code area is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0 degrees C or below.
If you're over 60 and on a disability or income-related benefit, you may get a grant of up to £2,000 through the Home Energy Efficiency Scheme.
Telephone 0800 952 0600 for more details.