Information and advice - useful links

Our Later Life Planning information and advice service can offer advice on a variety of issues including benefits, grants, housing and money concerns, wills and probate. Please phone 020 8203 5040 or email laterlifeplanners@ageukbarnet.org.uk.  The following information, however, may answer a few of your questions.USEFUL INFORMATION AND LINKS

Pension credit

We are encouraging all pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet to put in a claim for Pension Credit – a means-tested, tax-free benefit for pensioners that opens the door to many other potential benefits including:

• A free TV licence (if also over-75)
• Help with Council Tax
• Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital
• A Cold Weather Payment of £25 when the temperature is 0°C or below for 7 days in a row
• Help with rent
• An extra payment within Pension Credit for carers, worth up to £37.70 a week
•  

• To make a claim, people should call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 or click here for the website. Our Later Life Planning team can help you through the process if you are finding it difficult.

Winter Fuel Payments

Now that winter fuel payments will only be paid to individuals on pension credit and means tested benefits, our Later Life Planning teamare encouraging people to check if they are entitled to pension credit. About 850,000 UK households who are eligible to receive the benefit do not claim it, according to figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions last year. If you're unsure if you are eligible or you need to make a cliam, call Age UK's Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160. You will need your National Insurance number and your bank or building society details. More details about Winter Fuel Payments on the government website here

Warm home discount

You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2021 to 2022 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. Please note that people who are a part of the “Broader Group”, who may be eligible for the Warm Home Discount, need to reapply to their energy supplier every year because the benefit does not roll over automatically.  All details are on the government website, where you will also find the list of participating energy providers. Click here for the link.

Extra support this winter

Two organisations are there to help if you’re struggling with your energy bills and staying warm

SHINE offers support to people who are over 60 and are struggling financially. Arrange a consultation by phoning SHINE on 0800 953 1221 or emailing shine@islington.gov.uk (covers all of London). If you are eligible, an energy doctor will visit your home and help you save money on your energy bills, check your heating controls and fit energy efficient measures such as low energy light bulbs, draft proofing, reflective radiator panels and water saving devices. They also provide energy debt support and grants and much more.

Green Doctor has launched its Winter Support Fund which offers energy and food support to people living in the most vulnerable situations this winter. To be eligible for energy and food support households must be on a lower income (less than £31,000) or living in an energy inefficient property. Energy and food items available include energy and supermarket vouchers and cookery or heating items such as an air fryer, heated blanket, microwave. To arrange a telephone appointment or home visit from a Green Doctor representative, phone 0300 365 3005.

Advice clinics at Chipping Barnet Library - 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Are you struggling financially? The Age UK Barnet advice team will be giving benefit checks, pension credit checks and winter fuel payment advice. On the first and thrid Tuesday of the month, there's a drop in from 10am-1pm and bookable appointments in the afternoon (you need to book during the morning drop in). To speed up process by bringing rent, service charge and bank statements. Takes place at Chipping Barnet Library, 3 Stapylton Rd, Barnet EN5 4QT

Watersure Scheme 

Help with paying water bills for people on benefits who need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children. For more information, click here.

Social tarrifs for people on benefits

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages for people claiming Universal Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits. Some providers call them ‘essential’ or ‘basic’ broadband. They’re delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, Ofcom is encouraging companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes. Click here to see your tarrif options.

Food banks in Barnet 

Click here for a list of food banks in Barnet.

TV licence concessions

If you’re over 75 and claim Pension Credit then you could still be eligible for a free licence. 

Click here for Age UK's guide to TV licence concessions.

Click here for Age UK's Pension Credit Factsheet - information on TV licence concessions is on page 25.

TV licence scams are becoming increasingly common. Click here for more info from Age UK about how to protect yourself from TV licence scams. 

Ultra low emission zone (ULEZ) charge exemption

Keepers of vehicles registered in 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax classes benefit from a grace period where they are exempt from paying the ULEZ charge until 26 October 2025. Please note that disabled people over state pension age whose vehicle does not have 'disabled' or 'disabled passenger vehicle' tax class can apply directly to Transport for London (TFL) for the grace period if they:

• Are in receipt of Attendance Allowance AND
• Hold a Blue Badge

See the TFL website for more details here.

Tax problems

Tax Help for Older People is a charity providing free, independent and expert help and advice for older people on lower incomes who cannot afford to pay for professional tax advice. Click here for the charity's website.

Applying for Settled Status

A new charity, called Settled, can offer advice and support to older EU citizens who want to apply for Settled Status - the deadline for applying is 30 June 2021. To read their leaflet which explains more about this issue plus how get in touch with them, click here 

Neighbour disputes

We have had a lot of enquiries recently about neighbour disputes. Click here for an Age UK factsheet on anti-social behaviour.

Homelessness

If you have an enquiry about homelessness or threatened homelessness, contact Homeless Action in Barnet, Barnet Homes or Shelter. 

USEFUL ORGANISATIONS

If you have a website you wish to see added to the list or find that a link below is broken please email Age UK Barnet

Social Care Connect - Barnet Council's one stop shop for adult social care.

Abilitynet - a national charity that can adapt and adjust technology making it easier for disabled adults and children use computers and the internet.

Action on Elder Abuse - a national charity providing information and guidance to older people and anyone concerned that an older person is being abused.

Action Fraud - the UK's national fraud reporting centre. This service is run by the National Fraud Authority - the Government agency that helps to coordinate the fight against fraud in the UK.

Age UK- the national charity and umbrella body encompassing all local Age Concern and Age UK charities.

Alzheimer's Society - this link takes you to the Barnet branch of this national charity for people with Alzehimer's.

Barnet Care Directory - care options for older people in Barnet

Barnet Carers Centre - a charity supporting and advising carers in the London Borough of Barnet.

Barnet Council

Barnet, Enfield and Haringey Mental Health Trust

Barnet Furniture Centre - a local charity that recycles furniture. Donate your unwanted furniture and/or homewares or buy second hand from them.

BBC WebWise - a useful online guide to using a computer.  Beginners guides, information and advice and how to keep safe online.

Blue Badge Scheme - an important service for people with severe mobility problems that enables badge holders to park close to where they need to go.

Cancer Research UK

Care Quality Commission - the regulatory body which inspects and reports on care services and councils. The Care Quality Commission provide information about care services available in your area. You can get advice about how to decide what the right service is for you, and what to look for when choosing a care service.

Cinnamon Trust, The - a national charity for the elderly, the terminally ill and their pets.

Citizens Advice Bureau - advice on your rights and responsibilities and find Citizens Advice Bureau nearest you.

CommUNITY Barnet - supports, promotes and coordinates an effective voluntary and community sector in the borough of Barnet.

Community Focus - a multi-arts centre based in Barnet that encourages people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to access and participate in the arts.

Dementia Club UK - aims to provide people with Dementia and their carer with information, gentle exercise and fun activities in a social atmosphere with cups of tea and coffee and lovely cakes. Professional speakers will attend the sessions and also a GP and nurse attend most sessions to answer any medical concerns.

Diabetes UK - Barnet voluntary group - a charity for people with diabetes.

Dial-a-Ride - if you're disabled and can't use public transport, try Dial-a-Ride. It's free, door-to-door, and great for getting out and about.

Disability Action in the borough of Barnet (DAdB)- a charity providing accessible services for disabled people living or working in the borough.

Energy Saving Trust- a national organisation providing information and advice on how to improve energy efficiency.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Farsophone Association in Britain - this organisation supports Iranians and Persian speaking individuals and families.

First Stop - provides information on housing and care options, getting the support older people are entitled to and gives advice on paying for care.

Freedom Pass - provided by your local borough councils to give older and disabled Londoners free travel on almost all public transport in London.

Friend in Need (FIN) - provides a range of services for older people and their carers living in the New and East Barnet areas. They also have a shopping scheme covering all of Barnet.

Funeral Costs Help - personal website and blog set up by an older person that aims to offer impartial advice about arranging funerals and associated costs. Information and advice is also available on the Age UK national website Age UK what to do when someone dies

Get Safe Online - a joint initiative between the Government, law enforcement, leading businesses and the public sector. Their aim is to provide computer users and small businesses with free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow them to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.

Healthwatch Barnet - Healthwatch Barnet is part of a national network, led by Healthwatch England. It is there to give patients and users of health and social care services a voice locally and nationally. 

Home Care Directory - homecare providers in and around Barnet.

Independent Age - a charity giving information and advice for older people, their families and carers, focusing on social care, welfare benefits and befriending services.

JAMI - The Jewish Association for the Mentally Ill

Jewish Care - this charity operate centres and services within the London Borough of Barnet.

Leisure Services - Barnet has a number of leisure centres across the borough. Concessionary rates are available for those that meet set criteria.

Middlesex Association for the Blind - this charity provides services to blind and partially sighted people in nine London Boroughs, including Barnet.

Mind in Barnet - a charity that gives information on mental health provision in Barnet. It also provides day services, advocacy, befriending, counselling, information and advice services.

NHS Choices - this NHS website aims to gives all the information you need to make choices about your health.

PhonepayPlus is the organisation that regulates phone-paid services in the UK. These are the premium rate goods and services that you can buy by charging the cost to your phone bill and pre-pay account.

Royal Association for Deaf People

Safeguarding adults 

Samaritans North London - confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide - Available 24 hours.

Seniors Discounts - Which? article on 50 plus, 60 plus and senior citizens discount and money saving options

TaxHelp for Older People - a charity providing free tax advice to people over 60 on low incomes (less than £15,000 a year).

Think Jessica - an organisation aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of scam mail and provide support to those who need help.

Winter Fuel Payment - for information and application forms to claim the payment.

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