|
State Benefits and Tax Allowances
We receive a large number of queries from pensioners about their tax codes. Unfortunately we are not able to explain why HM Revenue & Customs has set or amended your tax code to a particular level. In the first instance these queries should be made to HM Revenue & Customs. Their telephone number is 0845 300 3939. You should have your National Insurance Number available and quote the Tax Reference 083/CCC (for Local Government).
The new tax allowances
|
|
2007/08
Annual Allowance |
|
2008/09
Annual Allowance |
Basic personal allowance
|
|
£5,225 |
|
£5,435 |
| For people aged 65-74: |
|
|
|
|
| Personal allowance |
|
£7,550 |
|
£9,030 |
Married couple's allowance
(if either spouse born before 06/04/35
|
|
£6,285
|
|
£6,535
|
| For people aged 75 and over: |
|
|
|
|
| Personal allowance |
|
£7,690 |
|
£9,180 |
Married couple's allowance
(if either spouse born before 06/04/35) |
|
£6,365
|
|
£6,625
|
Important Note:
For the age-related allowances shown above, there is an income limit for 2008/09 of £21,800. For every £2 of income above this limit, the personal allowance is reduced by £1, down to the basic level of personal allowance.
State Benefits from April 2008 |
|
Weekly benefit
|
| Basic State Pension |
|
£90.70 |
| Dependent Spouse |
|
£54.35 |
| Attendance Allowance |
Higher rate: |
£67.00 |
|
Lower rate: |
£44.85 |
| Carer's Allowance |
|
£50.55 |
| Income Support |
Basic rate single: |
£60.50 |
|
Basic rate Couple: |
£94.95 |
| Minimum income guaranteed under |
|
|
| Pension Credit |
Single: |
£124.05 |
|
Couple: |
£189.35 |
| Incapacity Benefit |
(Long term rate) |
£84.50 |
Benefits Update
Digital hearing aids
All NHS Trusts in England and Wales now provide free digital hearing aids, following a campaign by the 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.
Bereavement Register
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.
Pensioner's Guide
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.
Internet Banking
If you use the internet for online banking, look at the website Bank Safe Online website. 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.
TV Licences
The cost of a colour TV licence will increase to £139.50 from 1 April and for black and white to £47. TV licences are free to viewers from the month during which they reach 75. However, you still need to register. You can get more information from TV Licensing on 0870 576 3763.
Anyone aged 75 or over is entitled to a free TV Licence, but will still need to apply for one. If you are registered blind you may only need to pay 50% of the full licence fee. |
|