For a simple jargon free guide to Basic Bank Accounts produced
by the Financial Service Authority go to: www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/pdfs/bank_accounts.pdf Benefit Entitlements for Older People Not sure what benefits you are entitled to and need advice contact: Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) For a Pension forecast if you will reach State pension Age before 6 April 2010 go to www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/atoz/atozdetailed/rpforecast.asp Cruse Bereavement offers help in understanding grief and loss. Tel no. 0844 477 9400 Carers Helpline - being set up by DWP in summer 2008 Looking for advice on caring then see "Caring for Someone" at www.direct.gov.uk. See also The Princess Royal Trust for Carers at www.carers.org and www.counselandcare.org.uk. Phone Seafarers' Advice and Information Line (SAIL) on 0845 741 3318
or visit their wesite at: www.seabal.org.uk or contact the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) for
free confidential advice on debt problems. The CCCS is a charity. or visit Payplan Problems with paying energy bills? People who are 70 or older and owner occupiers or living in privately rented accommodation could be eligible for free cavity wall and loft insulation which could significantly reduce their heating bills. This is a government sponsored scheme which the power companies are required to operate and pay for to meet carbon emission reduction targets. To find out who is operating the scheme in your area contact the Energy Savings Trust on Freephone 0800 512 012, or see their website www.energysavingtrust.org.uk, or ring your local power company direct. For loft insulation there may be charge if your existing insulation is over a certain depth (cost of its removal) but cavity wall insulation is free. The client just needs to prove that they are 70 or older. An initial free survey will determine what needs to be done and confirm entitlement. Need financial help to make your house warmer by insulation and / or heating improvements contact Warm Front. This is a government funded scheme to provide grants to make your home warmer and more energy efficient You need to be in receipt of certain benefits. Call 0800 072 9006 to see whether you qualify The Seamen's Hospital Society may be able to help towards the cost of a funeral: Tel no: 020 8858 3696 For holidays for older people on low incomes contact: National Benevolent
Fund for the Aged (NBFA): Respite holidays The Merchant Seamen's War Memorial Society, "Springbok"
in Surrey. Mariners Park Care Home Wallasey, Cheshire, provides respite care
for former seafarers of any rank and their dependants, it also enables
those responsible for the delivery of their care on a daily basis to have
a holiday/break from caring, or those who might need a period of recovery
following a hospital admission. Care provided can be either residential
or nursing. Contact the Care Home Manager (Sue Vick) on: Care & Repair England is a housing charity that provides
advice for older and disabled people about organising home repairs and
adaptations: Contact your local Home Improvement Agency. To find out where it is phone 01457 891909 or visit: www.foundations.uk.com Home Improvement Agencies are locally based, not-for-profit organisations.
They help older, disabled and vulnerable homeowners or private tenants
to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their homes. Their primary purpose
is to help people continue to live in their own homes in comfort, safety,
security and independence. 90% of residents in England have access to
a Home Improvement Agency. They are sometimes referred to as 'Care &
Repair' agencies or 'Staying Put' schemes. Ask your Local Authority about a Disabled Facilities Grants To find out more about the range of maritime charitable support available contact: Merchant Navy Welfare Board Seafarers' Benefits Advice Line (SBAL) The Motability scheme is a government sponsored scheme available to those who receive the Higher Rate Component of the Disability Living Allowance. Motability operate a car scheme and a wheelchair / scooter scheme. See www.motability.co.uk. For enquiries about cars, telephone 0845 456 4566. For enquiries about wheelchairs and scooters Tel. 0845 60 762 60.
Other sources of Charitable Support To find out what other occupations offer charitable support go to the
turn2us website at: www.turn2us.org.uk Are you entitled to Pension Credit? The Pension Credit application line is a freephone number: 0800 99 1234. If you have speech or hearing difficulties the textphone number is 0800 169 0133. An Advisor will help you complete the form over the phone and send you the form to sign and return. The Pension Service website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk
has an online calculator which enables you to work out your entitlement. Looking at residential or nursing care and not sure what is involved or how to proceed or your looking for the location of suitable accommodation then contact: Counsel and Care, a registered charity that specialises in such
advice: The Elderly Accommodation Counsel - a charity that offers advice
and details of the location of accommodation: National Advice Line 020 7820 1343 Royal Alfred Seafarers' Society, Banstead Surrey - provides residential
and accommodation including long term nursing care to ex-seafarers: The Merchant Seamen's War Memorial Society, "Springbok"
in Surrey provides accommodation for retired seafarers. Mariners' Park Support for Children / Education Sailors' Families Society The Royal Liverpool Seamen's Orphan Institution operates throughout the UK and provides financial assistance towards the education of the children of those who served in the Merchant Navy and the Fishing Fleet and where the family has lost a parent. Contact by telephone 0151 227 3417 or via their website: www.rlsoi-uk.org The Royal Merchant Navy School Foundation can assist with the
costs of education including University.
|
