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26/01/2004
Stay warm, claim your entitlements: OAPs urged
With temperatures forecast to plummet across the UK this week, older and vulnerable people have been urged to ensure that they are claiming all their winter payment entitlements and to be aware of current health advice.
About eight million households, some 11.5 million people, are entitled to claim the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, and of these more than two million people qualify for the new 80+ Annual Payment of £100 (where someone in the household was aged 80 or over on or before 21st September 2003).
A Cold Weather Payment of £8.50 will also be issued automatically to people on lower incomes when the average temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0 degrees centigrade or below over seven consecutive days. Around 1.6 million of these payments were made last year.
Minister for Pensions and Older People Malcolm Wicks said: "When the temperature drops it is the elderly who suffer the most. It is absolutely vital that over the next few days older people keep the heating on and wrap up well. No older person should have to worry about turning up the heating during this cold snap.
"While the government has a major role to play, all of us in the wider community must play our part in the coming days by being vigilant and keeping an eye out for family, friends and neighbours who may be suffering from the cold."
Defra's Warm Front Scheme also offers help such as insulation and new central heating systems to vulnerable households – with grants available up to £2,500.
More information on benefits, entitlements and warming tips can be found at the DWP website at www.dwp.gov.uk , or by phoning the department on 020 7712 2171.
(gmcg)
About eight million households, some 11.5 million people, are entitled to claim the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, and of these more than two million people qualify for the new 80+ Annual Payment of £100 (where someone in the household was aged 80 or over on or before 21st September 2003).
A Cold Weather Payment of £8.50 will also be issued automatically to people on lower incomes when the average temperature is recorded as, or forecast to be, 0 degrees centigrade or below over seven consecutive days. Around 1.6 million of these payments were made last year.
Minister for Pensions and Older People Malcolm Wicks said: "When the temperature drops it is the elderly who suffer the most. It is absolutely vital that over the next few days older people keep the heating on and wrap up well. No older person should have to worry about turning up the heating during this cold snap.
"While the government has a major role to play, all of us in the wider community must play our part in the coming days by being vigilant and keeping an eye out for family, friends and neighbours who may be suffering from the cold."
Defra's Warm Front Scheme also offers help such as insulation and new central heating systems to vulnerable households – with grants available up to £2,500.
More information on benefits, entitlements and warming tips can be found at the DWP website at www.dwp.gov.uk , or by phoning the department on 020 7712 2171.
(gmcg)
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One million over-fifties 'dumped on work scrapheap'
Over one million 50 - 65-year-olds who want to work are unable to find a job, according to a report by the TUC. The report, entitled 'Ready willing and able', claimed that employers would not recruit older workers or retain the ones they already employed by investing in training or making minor adjustments for disabilities.
One million over-fifties 'dumped on work scrapheap'
Over one million 50 - 65-year-olds who want to work are unable to find a job, according to a report by the TUC. The report, entitled 'Ready willing and able', claimed that employers would not recruit older workers or retain the ones they already employed by investing in training or making minor adjustments for disabilities.
19 November 2003
Over 80s offered extra £100 for winter fuel payments
Around 2 million households in the UK with someone aged 80 plus will automatically receive £100 on top of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, it has been announced today. This winter about 8 million households, some 11.5 million people, will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, worth around £4 a week.
Over 80s offered extra £100 for winter fuel payments
Around 2 million households in the UK with someone aged 80 plus will automatically receive £100 on top of the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, it has been announced today. This winter about 8 million households, some 11.5 million people, will benefit from the £200 Winter Fuel Payment, worth around £4 a week.
29 August 2006
Nurses 'too busy' to help patients eat
Nine out of ten nurses say that they do not always have time to help patients who need assistance with eating, a study has revealed. The charity Age Concern said that a lack of nursing time and a failure by hospitals to introduce simple safeguards has hit the most vulnerable patients.
Nurses 'too busy' to help patients eat
Nine out of ten nurses say that they do not always have time to help patients who need assistance with eating, a study has revealed. The charity Age Concern said that a lack of nursing time and a failure by hospitals to introduce simple safeguards has hit the most vulnerable patients.
03 March 2006
Pensioners 'missing out on luxuries'
Many pensioners are unable to afford luxuries and are forced to live 'just above the breadline', a report by Age Concern has suggested. The report found that 40% of over 65s felt that their social life was restricted because of a lack of money, while just over a third admitted that they could not afford to spend a day out with friends of family.
Pensioners 'missing out on luxuries'
Many pensioners are unable to afford luxuries and are forced to live 'just above the breadline', a report by Age Concern has suggested. The report found that 40% of over 65s felt that their social life was restricted because of a lack of money, while just over a third admitted that they could not afford to spend a day out with friends of family.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
