Who can help? - key sources of information for older and disabled people (view report contents)
Money
Most advice agencies get more questions on money than anything else. It’s a complicated subject. Here’s how you can find your way through the maze.
General advice on money
General information agencies also give information and advice on money. See the section on Advice centres for details of Seniorline, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CABx) and others.
There are lots of other independent money advice centres. Get in touch with the Money Advice Association to find the nearest centre - call 0113 270 8444
Owing money
Consumer Credit Counselling Service can help make your debts manageable with a free Debt Management Plan - freephone 0800 138 1111 .
Q. Are there any benefits I could claim? How do I go about it? Do they depend on my savings?
Benefits
The benefit system exists to help people in need. It’s not charity, but a service you have a right to call on.
The Department for Work and Pensions (used to be called the Department for Social Security) publish many free guides to benefits. Their recent leaflets are simple and clear. They cover particular ‘events’ such as retirement, and particular groups, such as people with disabilities. They are available in several languages and in large print, Braille and on tape. From your local social security office, main post offices, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux and libraries.
A brief guide to money benefits (No.18) - free factsheet (updated every April) from Age Concern Information Line freephone 0800 00 99 66. Also Your Rights pack which is free and a book called Your Rights £6.98 (inclusive of postage and packing, updated annually.
Can you claim it? and Claiming disability benefits - free leaflets from Help the Aged 020 7278 1114.
Helplines
It’s often much easier to ask someone for information than try to find it for yourself. The Department for Work and Pensions runs a freephone Benefit Enquiry Line for disabled people. It’s open between 8.30am and 6.30pm on weekdays and between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays 0800 88 22 00, textphone 0800 243 355.
Disability Alliance has an advice line for information on disabled people’s rights to benefits. Open from 2 to 4pm on Monday and Wednesdays 020 7247 8763 (voice and text).
Q. Where can I get unbiased advice on investments, insurance, borrowing money, mortgages...?
Independent financial advice
If you need professional advice about managing your money - for example on investments, mortgages, life insurance - look for an independent adviser who will not be tied to a particular company, and who must meet set standards.
To find an independent financial adviser look in the Yellow Pages under Financial Advisers. Make sure they are authorised through the Personal Investment Agency.
IFA Promotions will give you details of four local, registered independent financial advisers 0117 971 1177.
If you have complaints or queries contact the Financial Services Authority Consumer helpline 0845 606 1234 minicom/textphone 08457 300 104 (call rates may vary).
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