Dates for the diary - Carer Events Carer Support is organising a number of events for 2018. To register call Melinder on 01902 553429 or email carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk Relaxation Workshop Wednesday 7 March 10.30 to 11.45am at Bob Jones Community Hub, Bromley St, WV2 3AS Relaxation Workshop Friday 9 March 10.30 to 11.45am at Aldersley Leisure Village, Aldersley Rd, Wolverhampton WV6 9NW Well-being Day Thursday 22 March at Bantock House as part of Residents Programme 2018, there will be arts & crafts sessions, relaxation workshops and massage therapy on offer. Direct Payments Workshop for Carers Tuesday 15 May 10.30 to 12.00 at Merridale St Fire Station Community Room Direct Payments Workshop for Carers Wednesday 16 May 1.30 to 3.00pm at Merridale St Fire Station Community Room Carers Week Celebration Event: Friday 15 June at Bantock House 10am to 2pm Booking is essential for these events for planning purposes and health and safety Are you a Carer? Would you like attend the Wolverhampton Carers Forum You can be involved with: Decision Making raising awareness of carers issues helping to arrange events for carers Have your say and register you interest now! Contact the Carers Team on 01902 553409
Universal Credit and Pension Credit for Couples The introduction of Universal Credit causes some unexpected complications for couples if one is over pension age and the other partner is still below the pension age. This only applies to new claims. Existing payments from Pension Credit made before Universal Credit started in Wolverhampton will continue unaffected even if one partner is still below their own pension age. What used to happen? Previously, for new Pension Credit claims, both members of a couple could be entitled to Pension Credit from the date when the older member reached their own pension age. What has changed? Now that Universal Credit is introduced to our area postcodes, both members of a couple must have reached their own pension ages before you can claim Pension Credit. If you try to claim Pension Credit when one of you is below their pension age, you could be directed to claim Universal Credit and the younger partner will be expected to seek work (unless they are sick or a carer etc.). The usual 6 week delays in first payment of Universal Credit and interruptions to housing benefits etc. will also apply. What are the alternatives? 1. Where the younger member of a couple is claiming as a carer AND Income Support is already in payment. It is important to continue with the younger member s Income Support claim, there is no need to claim either Pension Credit or Universal Credit. Once the older member reaches pension age then an additional Pensioner Premium will be added to the Income Support amount and that will bring the overall amount which will be equal to Pension Credit rates for a couple. This avoids any interruptions in fortnightly income, housing benefit should also continue without any breaks. 2. If the younger member of the couple is already claiming ESA (income related). Again, there is no need to claim Pension Credit, the ESA claim should continue in the younger person s name and the overall amount should be increased to include a pensioner premium which will bring the total paid to equal the same fortnightly rate as Pension Credit.
This information bulletin is for carers, professionals working with carers and organisations supporting carers. The Carer Support Team supports family carers in Wolverhampton. To find out more about what we can offer contact us: Call: 01902 553409. Visit our website: www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/carers, Email the team at: carer.support@wolverhampton.gov.uk Drop in to the Carers Centre, Blossoms Fold, Off North Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 4HJ. Office Opening times: Monday to Friday, 9.00am till 4.30pm (closed from 12.30pm to 13.30pm) National Express West Midlands - Seniors travel for 1, Single journey before 9.30am Mon to Friday Do you have a Concessionary Bus pass or know someone that has one? With your bus pass you can now travel for 1 before 9.30am, from Monday to Friday.
Wolverhampton Alz Cafe This is a monthly gathering where people with dementia and their families and friends can be together in a safe, welcoming environment, to socialize, enjoy an evening of entertainment and have fun. It is held at Penn United Reformed Church, 333 Penn Road, Penn, Wolverhampton, West Mindlands, WV4 5QF, on the second Tuesday of every month at 7.00pm to 9pm. Transport can be accessed by calling Ring and Ride on 01902 425788. For more information call: 07804 832397 01902 752725 Age UK: Camaraderie Club A club for older veterans (67+) and ex-service men and women to enjoy refreshments, banter and good company. With talks, demonstrations and trips for your enjoyment. Why not come along with friends or come and make new ones? Tuesdays 1.00pm -2.30pm at the electric Club, St Marks Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 0QH. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. If you would like to attend please call Nikki on 01902 572 060 or 07523 518 414 or email nikkib@ageukwolves.org.uk
Charity for Civil Servants - for you, by you If you are a civil servant, past or present, or if you work for an organisation that is sponsored by a government department, you may be eligible to apply for help from the Charity of Civil Servants. They can advise on money issues, relationship difficulties, caring responsibilities, stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health problems. They can provide financial assistance where necessary and may be able to offer a one-off payment during a crisis. To Find out more: Freephone 0800 056 2424 www.foryoubyyou.org.uk www.facebook.com/foryoubyyou www.twitter.com/foryoubyyou