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Provided by Mae Stewart, Editor UNISON Retired members Newsletter, Dundee, Perth and Angus.
Please note that this is not definitive information about benefits but will provide a signpost as to where to get up to date information. Please check the sources first. UNISON Scotland can take no responsibility for information that may be outdated or inaccurate. The member's information excerpts this month were taken from the Pensioners Forum Newsletter, and the local Dundee magazine called Retired & Living in Dundee. My apology for any misquotes.

Issue 10 May 2005

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TOP - Tax help for Older people

TOP is a new advice service, set up in partnership between Taxhelp for Older People and Age Concern Scotland.

This service is for people who have tax problems.

It is a service by which tax professionals give their time and expertise free to older people of modest means [over 60 and a household income of less than £15000] who cannot afford to pay for advice.

TOP has been operating in England since 2001, and in Edinburgh and Lothians since 2004.

The advisers act totally independent of the Inland Revenue and their employers, and all interviews are by appointment, and in private; If necessary, a home visit can be arranged.

If you wish advice or further information contact:

Scottish Helpline for Older People: 0845 125 9732, and ask for TOP.

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Benefits for Older People

A range of benefits is now available to older people. The list is extensive, with some relating to high profile financial matters such as council tax and pension credit, with others of a more personal nature, relating to illness or infirmity, but all help supplement current income.

Councils are committed to ensuring that people maximize their income and receive all benefits to which they are entitled. Council Social Work Departments can offer advice and assistance when claiming benefits, with most employing Welfare Rights Officers with a dedicated remit in this field.

It is recommended that people check their current entitlement to benefits with such officers.

The Department for Work and Pensions is a useful source of information.

Its website can be accessed at www.dwp.gov.uk

This site gives a range of advice and contacts on current benefits.

At the risk of repeating myself for the 100th time. If in doubt pick up the phone, walk into your local council office, or local social security office. The folk who are there to help, can only help those who ask for it.

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Silent Telephone Calls

According to OFCOM, the most common form of silent calls are dialed by automatic calling equipment at call centers, and are then terminated immediately after a person answers the phone if no line operator is available to take the set up call.

To remedy this register your phone number with the Silent Callguard Service on; 0870 444 399969

If you suspect this isn't the reason for your silent calls, consider speaking to your phone company. Most provide a service called caller display, so that you can see who is calling, and chose whether to answer or not.

Other solutions available include BT Choose to Refuse service, which refuses to accept withheld numbers or other phone numbers of your choice. Call BT on 0800 169 2707

Or, contact your own phone service customer service line to discuss options.

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Unwanted Telephone Calls

If you get a lot of unwanted phone calls trying to sell you everything under the sun, you can register with the free Telephone Preference Service. This stops unwanted calls getting through.

Call the automated service on: 0845 07 007 07 [local rates apply]

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Get Active

Physical activity is an essential part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Physical Activity has been shown to:

  • Reduce the risk of suffering heart disease or a heart attack
  • Help ensure good mental health
  • Reduce medical problems associated with being overweight

What can an Active Lifestyle do for YOU?

  • Increase your stamina and energy levels
  • Increase the efficiency of your heart and lungs protecting against coronary heart disease
  • Improve muscle tone, endurance and strength
  • Prevents joints, tendons, and ligaments stiffing up, increasing flexibility
  • Strengthens bones
  • Improves your sense of balance, coordination, and agility
  • Decreases your blood pressure and resting heart rate
  • Decreases stress and tension levels
  • Be a fun and social event

Health professionals recommend that you take part in some form of physical activity 5 days per week for around 30 minutes each day. This could be as simple as going for a walk, or attending an exercise class.

Remember not to push yourself too hard - it is supposed to be fun as well as good for you.

GET ACTIVE ** NB ** IMPORTANT

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR AGE YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING AN EXERCISE PROGRAM TO ASK THEIR ADVICE ON SUITABLE EXERCISE FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL NEEDS.

  • Re the above. After having checked with your doctor to make sure all is well and that you can indeed take up some form of exercise, you could then check with your local council, who may run classes.
  • Here in Dundee we have an excellent run Council Scheme for swimming and fitness, for all ages, and it is very affordable, which is often an important factor for folk, especially older people.

REMEMBER. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR OWN GP IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR HEALTH BEFORE EMBARKING ON ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM.

Mae Stewart

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