Welfare

Pensions.

 Welfare.

The Injury Awards are still an issue of concern.  It was thought we had found a way forward.  We have, BUT I have now seen a draft of the proposed replacement Home Office Circular on the issue and it makes it all so much worse.  It seems to be trying to counter all the arguments we have used to win appeals.  It is very unhelpful and along with the proposed new police injury regulations means that it will be  almost impossible for a serving officer to be granted an Injury Award. 

 

Many of you will have had another letter from Mouchel in relation to Retirement Allowance.  They missed it off the notifiable list the first time round.  I ‘caught’ a lot of phone calls as you thought it might be your Retirement Pension.  It isn’t – it is a payment when you reach 65 that replaces Reduced Earnings Allowance and it only applies to a very small number.  With regard to both letters I know many of you are upset about losing money AND a few are getting extra!  The good thing is in almost every case it is their error and no claim is being made to reclaim payments – some of them go back years!

 

We have been very fortunate on two fronts, the force has used common sense to cope with the Injury Award fiasco and Mouchel have acted in a professional manner when deducting, or paying benefits.  The legislation does state benefits you are entitled to claim, which means they can deduct them even if you don’t get them – the entitlement is the important part.  You have to be able to prove you cannot have the particular benefit.  I mention this – not to alarm you – but to show you what is happening in some parts of the country.  It is so bad in some areas that they have even been deducting benefits such as Disability Living Allowance that are NOT DEDUCTABLE!!  It doesn’t bear thinking about!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have any questions about your own State Pension etc. then the free phone number is 0845/6060265 or for those on the Internet information can be found at http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I continue to keep in regular contact with Margaret Hunter and everything is working well.  There appears to be no problem in providing help and advice to members when needed but I am sure you will let me know if it is not the case.  I have been making a claim for a member of my family and it has reminded me about Disabled Facilities Grants. If you or a member of your family (parents etc.) is disabled in some way you can ask for an assessment from your local Social Services of your disability and needs i.e. for handles, wheelchairs, stair lifts etc.  it is worth doing because they may be eligible to apply for and receive a Disabled Facilities Grant to pay for the equipment to allow them to stay in their own home.  As I always say, if you don’t ask you will never find out.

 

The Police Dependants Trust

 

The PDT is recycling cartridges and mobile phones through a company called The Recycling Factory as a way to increase their funds.  They have contacted all police forces to get serving officers involved by using uniquely coded envelopes. If you would like to donate the envelopes are available by ringing 0800 091 0696.  The PDT was set up in the late 60’s as a charity solely for the purpose of helping police officers and/or their families, who were either killed or seriously incapacitated due to the special hazards of policing.  Anyone in receipt of an injury award on top of any police medical pension is eligible to make a claim if they need assistance and must be registered.  The system is working and I will keep it going as long as it is needed.  If you think you are eligible to register please contact me – it is vital you register as you never know when their assistance may be required.

 

   

 

Incapacity/Disability Living Allowance/DSS benefits.

 

We are still in the position of not knowing what is going to happen to all the various benefits.   There are a lot of changes to come, or there may be.  It seems to be a moveable feast at the moment; ideas are springing up and then vanish to reappear under another name.  However this is still an area where we all need to be vigilant. The benefits are still available but are becoming extremely difficult (or impossible) to get.  Don’t give up: there are a number of benefits that you may have, or are entitled to claim, many of which are NOT means tested.  It is possible you are missing out on extra assistance particularly if you have been retired for some time and have not previously made any claim.  If you have had any problems PLEASE let me know as soon as possible.  If you are eligible for benefits or allowances please claim or register, the only person losing out is yourself (or your family).  If you would like some help or advice with this or any other benefits please ring me on 01642/714727.  Wordshop are also available to provide advice regarding DSS and other benefit issues:  email sbc@wordshop.co.uk.  Full information is available in Narpo News.

 

By Post:          Benefits Information Consultant,

                        Wordshop,

                        7, Tilton Court,

                        Digby Road,

                        Sherborne,

                        Dorset,

                        DT9 3NL

 

By Fax:           01935 812800

 

 

                                                                             Membership Changes

a) Bereavements since the last meeting.

The following members have passed away since the last meeting: -

Full members Ken Walker, Harry Tuttle and Widow members Stella Felce, Freda Barras, Cora Wilkinson and Isobel Walker.

 

The following member has notified changes of address since the last meeting: -

Pearl Gardiner (Hartlepool), Walter Sample (Darlington), Craig Murray (gt Ayton), Peter Lyons (Saltburn) and Jennie Mitchell (Coulby Newham).

 

The following new members have joined the Association since the last meeting: -

Full members Peter Knights, John Sanderson, Grant Thorburn, Ian Heard, Hugh Phillipson, Chris Jones, Jim Wilson, Paul Bland, Christine Garner, Nick Walker, Peter Hammond and Susan Wilkinson-Lough (Ex Cheshire).

 

The current membership stands at

 

 

 

 There are two points I would like to mention. Sadly the welfare department and myself are reliant on calls from members or their families to pass on information. Where this has not happened the force has been unable to send notices to members. Similarly if I am not informed about changes of address I may lose touch with some members for a time. Please! Let the welfare department or myself know about any changes.
 c) New Members.b) Changes of Address.1176.