Help at hand for pensioners during the recessionI’ve put together this handy guide so older people know what help is available during the recession. I want to make sure every older person in Gillingham and Rainham knows about this help, so if it’s not relevant to you then please share it with any elderly friends or relatives.

What’s on offer...- The basic pension- Pension Credits- Winter Fuel Allowance- Free prescriptions- Free eye tests- Free bus travel- Free TV licences- Home help and care

See over the page to fi nd out how to claim any of these benefi ts.

If you have access to the internet, paulclarkmp.com has more details on what pensioners can claim.

1. BASIC PENSIONSingle pensioner: £95.25Pensioner couple: £152.30To claim or to check your entitlement call for free on 0845 60 60 265

2. PENSION CREDITIn 2003 a pension credit was introduced to guarantee every senior citzen a minimum weekly income. To apply call 0800 99 12 34

3. WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCEThe Allowance was introduced for all senior citizens. It’s £250 for someone aged over 60 and £400 where a senior citizen is over the age of 80. Call 08459 15 15 15 to claim

4. FREE BUS PASSESFree travel on buses is available in Medway and beyond for anyone over the age of 60

5. FREE PRESCRIPTIONSIf you’re over 60, you’re entitled to free prescriptions. Contact Paul on the number below for more information or ask your pharmacist

6. FREE EYE TESTSFree eye tests are available for anyone over 60. Speak to your optician for details

7. FREE TV LICENCEIf you are aged 75 or over, the Government pays your TV Licence. Call 0870 241 6468 for more information

8. FREE DRIVING LICENCECall DVLA on 0870 240 0009 if you’re over 70

9. HOME HELPSocial Services have a duty to make sure you’re supported. Call 01634 333333 for information about home help

Pro

mot

ed b

y P

aul C

lark

MP.

62a

Wat

ling

Str

eet,

Gill

ingh

am, K

ent,

ME

7 2Y

N. P

aid

for

usin

g th

e H

ouse

of C

omm

ons

Com

mun

icat

ions

Allo

wan

ce. P

rintin

g by

Fel

ix L

imite

d, R

oche

ster

, Ken

t, M

E2

4HZ