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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for information that may be outdated or inaccurate.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:
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Reduce the risk of suffering heart disease or
a heart attack
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Help ensure good mental health
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Reduce medical problems associated with being
overweight
What can an Active Lifestyle do for YOU?
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Increase your stamina and energy levels
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Increase the efficiency of your heart and lungs
protecting against coronary heart disease
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Improve muscle tone, endurance and strength
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Prevents joints, tendons, and ligaments stiffing
up, increasing flexibility
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Strengthens bones
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Improves your sense of balance, coordination,
and agility
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Decreases your blood pressure and resting heart
rate
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Decreases stress and tension levels
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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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