7) Protecting retirement pension

If you are caring for someone for at least 35 hours a week, you may be able to get Home Responsibilities Protection to help protect your basic retirement pension and you may receive other benefits

From April 2002, the State Second Pension will credit full-time carers as if they were earning £10,000 a year and this will increase your retirement pension.

It is a good idea to check if you need to do anything to protect your pension.

A forecast of your pension can help you do this. To obtain one, ask for form BR19 from your Social Security Office or call 0191-218 7585.

Winter Fuel Allowance

If there is someone over 60 in your household, they can claim £200 towards the cost of heating bills.

Helpline: 0800 952 0600 (England), 0800 072 0150 (Scotland), 0800 316 2815 (Wales)

Free TV Licences for over 75's

If there is someone over 75 in your household, they can claim a free TV licence.

Helpline: 0845 602 3334 (local call rates apply)

Right to Emergency Time-Off for Dependants

If you work and you are a carer, you are entitled to take reasonable time-off work to help those who depend on you in an emergency. There is no right for this leave to be paid, but some companies may offer pay.

For help accessing this right, contact your trade union

Equal Pay and Conditions for Part-Time Workers

If you work part-time, you have equal entitlements as full-timers. Check that you get the same (or pro rata) holidays, premiums or overtime, sick pay, pension entitlement, parental or carer's leave, and wages.

For advice, contact your trade union. To find the right trade union for you, call the TUC on 0870 600 4882

 Printer Friendly Page

 Email to a Friend

© 2003 (USDAW) Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers
This page: http://www.usdaw.org.uk/equality/disability/1050235939_30077.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 31-Jan-2007 01:13:52 EST