General information
From time to time, pensioners may wish to access information and advice on a wide range of topics. Here are some of the organisations that we believe to be the most reliable sources and the topics they cover.
Please note that APPA are not responsible for the information provided by these websites.
Reporting a death
When a Scheme pensioner dies, please notify Capita on 01142-73 7331.
A death must be registered with the local Register Office within five days unless the death has been reported to the coroner. Most Register Offices now offer the ‘Tell us once’ service which notifies government departments and agencies including DWP, HMRC, DVLA and the Passport Office in one contact.
AgeUK publishes a very useful guide ‘When someone dies’ which you can download from their website or order by phoning their helpline (see below).
State Pension
The Pension Service administers the State Pension. Their general enquiry line is 0800-731 0469 and further contact details are on www.gov.uk/contact-pension-service
Other useful government sites include:
- Details of the basic state pension www.gov.uk/state-pension
- Check your state pension forecast www.gov.uk/check-state-pension
- Find pension scheme contact details www.gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details
- Department for Work & Pensions www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
Making a will
If you have not already done so, it is very important that you give the matter serious consideration. Sources of information are AgeUK, Independent Age and Citizens Advice (see below).
In later years, it could be wise to consider granting Power of Attorney, and the above three organisations all offer help.
Other State and local authority benefits
To make sure you are receiving all the other State benefits to which you may be entitled, refer to AgeUK, Independent Age or Citizens Advice (see below). Refer to your local authority for local benefits to which you may be entitled.
Approaching 70 and driving?
You should be aware that when you reach the age of 70 your driving licence will expire. However, you can still drive if you renew your licence and carry on doing so every three years after that. The DVLA should send you a D46P form at least 90 days before your 70th birthday, so make sure that you look out for it. You can either complete and return this form or apply online (where you can also find further information) at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence-at-70. Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
Keeping safe from scammers
It is vital to keep safe from potential scammers who approach you on your doorstep, over the telephone or on your computer. There is a wealth of information and advice available from AgeUK and Independent Age (see below) and other sources like your personal bank.
In addition, Which? have published two useful articles about protecting yourself:
The Insurance Charities
The Insurance Clerks Orphanage was founded in 1902 and The Insurance Benevolent Fund in 1929 – both coming together almost 100 years later to form what is now known as The Insurance Charities.
The Charity supports current and former insurance employees experiencing financial hardship in the UK and Ireland. It doesn’t matter what role people have had in the industry, and all applications will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence. Dependants of insurance employees can also be supported such as spouses, former spouses and children.
It can help with one-off payments, for things such as household appliances, care costs and property repairs, provide ongoing financial help (including charitable loans), and give practical support to those with health, money and housing concerns.
The Charity understands that the recent increase in living costs such as fuel and council tax will put huge pressure on us all, so even if you have been supported in the past it is still there to help.
In addition, The Insurance Charities and Alzheimer’s Society have created a partnership to support anyone in the industry affected by dementia – whether that’s them or a loved one. You can now access free personalised support and advice from the Dementia Connect service, to help you navigate the challenges of dementia. Support begins on the phone and progresses to face-to-face visits if required. Dementia Connect is there for people with all types of dementia, with a diagnosis or pre-diagnosis. If you or someone close to you is currently being affected, please contact The Insurance Charities in the first instance to establish how it can help.
The Insurance Charities wants to ensure that no one from the industry in need of help misses out. If you are struggling, then please get in touch today.
The Insurance Charities 0207-606 3763 or 0207-726 6482 (calls from the ROI - 1800-812 933)
Other charities
AgeUK and Independent Age provide a range of advice and support which is particularly relevant for older people, and Citizens Advice provides more general advice on a wider range of topics. Each has a helpline and a website with detailed information:
- AgeUK: Helpline 0800-678 1602, website www.ageuk.org.uk
- Independent Age: Helpline 0800-319 6789, website www.independentage.org
- Citizens Advice: Adviceline 03444-111 444, Consumer Helpline 0808-223 1133, website www.citizensadvice.org.uk
AgeUK and Independent Age also offer guides and factsheets that can be downloaded from their websites or ordered from their helplines.
A full list of the ones available can be found on:
- www.ageuk.org.uk/services/information-advice/guides-and-factsheets
- www.independentage.org/get-advice/advice-guides-factsheets-leaflets
There is a considerable (but not total) overlap between the information provided by AgeUK and Independent Age. Amongst the many topics covered are:
- Benefit entitlements including a benefit checker
- Avoiding telephone and personal computer scams
- Tax and use of allowances to ensure you are not paying too much
- Future planning including wills, powers of attorney, living wills (advance decisions and statements)
- Care and support including options and information about paying for care
- Health and welfare
- Work and learning
- Housing including equity release, adaptations and maintenance, staying safe at home
Other organisations
The following organisations offer advice and support in specific circumstances
The Pensions Ombudsman
Helpline 0800-917 4487
www.pensions-ombudsman.org.uk/
An independent organisation set up by law to deal with pension complaints
Alzheimers Society
Supportline 0333-150 3456
www.alzheimers.org.uk
Offers practical advice for those living with dementia and their carers
CarersUK
Helpline 0808-808 7777 (Mondays & Tuesdays)
www.carersuk.org
Provides information and support for carers
Cruse Bereavement Care
Helpline 0808-808 1677
www.cruse.org.uk
Offers a range of free, confidential support for adults and children after the death of someone close
Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC)
Advice line 0800-3777 7070
www.housingcare.org
Helps older people make informed choice
The Money Advice Service
Call 0800-138 7777
www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
Offers free and impartial money, pensions and debt advice
Money Helper
Call 0800-011 3797
www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/pensions-and-retirement
Offers free and impartial pensions advice
The Law Society
http://solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk
Enables enquirers to find local solicitors with specific specialisms
University of the Third Age (U3A)
Call 0208-466 6139
www.u3a.org.uk
Local groups learning something new and sharing skills for fun
Re-engage
Call 0800-716 543
www.reengage.org.uk
Brings older people together into social groups at a time in their lives when their social circles are diminishing.
Gransnet
www.gransnet.com
This is an online community for the over-50s with discussion forums for users to exchange advice and support on a range of topics.
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