Important Note:
For the age-related allowances shown above, there is an income limit for 2009/10 of £22,900. For every £2 of income above this limit, the personal allowance is reduced by £1, down to the basic level of personal allowance.

For further information on Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefits and Income Support visit the following website, www.direct.gov.uk

All NHS Trusts in England and Wales now provide free digital hearing aids, following a campaign by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID). What’s more, batteries are free, you can be given a replacement hearing aid if you need one and you can return to the audiology department for repairs or help - all free of charge.

If you think you need a hearing aid you will need to get your ears and hearing checked to confirm you have a hearing loss and to see if a hearing aid will help – your GP is the first stop. For further guidance, you can contact the RNID information line on 0808 808 0123 or visit the RNID website.

This is a free service set up to stop the distress friends and relatives feel when companies continue to mail loved ones who have died. It removes the names and addresses of the deceased from mailing lists. Relatives can register details through the Bereavement Register website or the information helpline on 0870 600 7222.

The Government is keen to help pensioners who miss out on the financial benefits to which they are entitled and have paid for through their taxes and National Insurance contributions. There are many leaflets designed to help you identify benefits you may be able to claim. These are available from your local Post Office, Department of Work and Pensions or Citizens Advice Bureau.

A useful publication to get hold of is the ‘Pensioners’ Guide’, with detailed information about the extra money available in retirement. It also deals with leisure opportunities, housing and home improvements, transport, legal services and crime. Phone 0845 6065 065 (local rate) for a copy or visit the Pensions Service website.

The Pensions Service - Pensioner's Guide

To view the 'The Pensions Service - Pensioner's Guide' please follow the link below.
The Pensions Service - Pensioner's Guide (538kb)
To view the web page source for 'The Pensions Service - Pensioner's Guide' please follow the link.
The Pensions Service - Guides for Pensioner's

If you use the internet for online banking, look at the website 'Bank Safe Online'. Here you can find the latest information on protection from the increasing number of fraudulent scams. Also, you can check with the FSA on 0845 606 1234 to see whether a bank is regulated in the UK.