Returning from abroad

Transcription

1 Factsheet 25 March 2014 About this factsheet You may find this factsheet useful if you are a British citizen who has lived abroad and you are considering returning to live in the UK. It is aimed at British citizens over pension age rather than those of working age. It does not give any information about immigration status or the position of asylum seekers. See section 8 for organisations who may be able to give specialist advice in these areas. The information in this factsheet applies in England and Wales. Different rules may apply in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Readers intending to live in one of these nations should contact their respective national Age UK organisations see section 9 for details. Section 9 also has details of how to order other Age UK factsheets and information materials and the telephone numbers for Age UK Advice. If you need more detailed advice, you could contact one of the independent organisations listed in section 8. You can also ask Age UK Advice for contact details of a local Age UK advice service in the area you are returning to. Factsheet 25 March of 23

2 Inside this factsheet 1 Is a return to the UK right for you? 3 2 The Habitual Residence Test and ordinary residence The Habitual Residence Test Ordinary residence 4 3 Finance State Pensions and Winter Fuel Payments Means-tested benefits Disability benefits and Carer s Allowance Tax credits and Child Benefit 8 4 Health doctors, dentists and hospital treatment Registering with a GP practice Finding a dentist Help with health costs 11 5 Care and support at home and in care home accommodation 11 6 Housing 13 7 Useful organisations 15 8 Further information from Age UK 21 Factsheet 25 March of 23

3 1 Is a return to the UK right for you? Before returning to the UK consider why you want to return and whether your expectations will be met. If you have been absent for some time there may have been major changes in society and culture that you are not prepared for. If possible, you might want to consider spending some time in the UK before committing to moving here. A return to the UK should be planned and prepared for just as thoroughly as leaving the UK. 2 The Habitual Residence Test and ordinary residence There are two terms that crop up throughout this factsheet Habitual Residence Test and ordinary residence. Both are used to determine your eligibility for certain social security benefits and you may be asked to provide evidence that you are ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom when you seek non-emergency NHS treatment or seek care services from the local authority. The two terms are not synonymous. A summary description follows below. 2.1 The Habitual Residence Test The Habitual Residence Test (HRT) is a test to see if you normally live in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Republic of Ireland or the Isle of Man. If you have been absent from the UK and are applying for local authority housing or income-related benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, or Council Tax Reduction you may be subject to the HRT. There is no legal definition of 'habitual residence' but there is a substantial body of case law indicating the factors that should be taken into account. Decision-makers will look at: what you have done to establish a home in the UK, before and after arrival where you expect to live in future your reasons for coming to the UK the length of time you spent abroad Factsheet 25 March of 23

4 family ties in the UK and in the country you have come from. The HRT is applied to the claimant so if you are one of a couple, decide which of you is most likely to pass the test. If you do not pass the HRT you will not be able to access housing and income-related benefits. It can take anything from a few days up to six months to pass the HRT but if it takes over three months, decision-makers should have to give convincing reasons as to why you are required to wait this long. If you have been abroad for a temporary period, or you are re-establishing ties in the UK, you may be treated as habitually resident from the first day of your return to the UK. The decision maker should consider factors like your intentions when you left the country originally (whether you intended to return at some stage), the ties and contacts with the UK that you established and maintained while you were abroad, and the strength of your intention to resettle in the UK. If you are likely to need benefits and housing as soon as you arrive in the UK think about how you would cope if you did not pass the HRT. If you apply for state benefits and are refused on the grounds that you are not habitually resident, seek advice about appealing the decision. Submit a new claim for benefit each time you are refused, and appeal every negative decision. If you end up with more than one appeal, it is likely that they will all be heard in one hearing. Taking this approach will ensure that you get your entitlement at the earliest possible date. Note: Some categories of people are exempt from the HRT including certain European Economic Area (EEA) workers (although entitlement to workingage benefits may be limited), refugees, people with humanitarian protection, and those with exceptional leave to enter or remain or discretionary leave. 2.2 Ordinary residence There is no statutory definition of ordinary residence but it refers to the place you normally live for the time being as long as there is some degree of continuity about your stay. Factsheet 25 March of 23

5 The main test is set down in Shah v London Borough of Barnet (1983) 1 All ER 226, where the meaning of the words ordinarily resident was considered. The words may be briefly summarised as referring to: An individual who is living lawfully in the United Kingdom voluntarily and for settled purposes as part of the regular order of their life for the time being, whether of long or short duration, with an identifiable purpose for their residence here which has a sufficient degree of continuity to be properly described as settled. Government guidance advises that 'ordinary residence' should be given its ordinary and natural meaning based on the facts of each case and subject to interpretation by the courts. 3 Finance Before you decide to return to the UK permanently you need to consider: Will you still get the income you receive at present when you return to the UK? Are you entitled to benefits if you return to the UK? How do prices and costs compare between countries? How will exchange rates and inflation affect your income? Can you transfer income and assets to the UK? Will your insurance policies remain valid or will you need new ones? (for example, private medical insurance, life insurance) A visit to the UK could enable you to check the prices of, for example, fuel, food, transport and housing. Returning to the UK can affect your tax liabilities. If you are or will be ordinarily resident and/or resident in the UK for tax purposes you will be liable for tax on UK income or overseas income that you bring into the UK. It is also important to find out whether you will still be liable for tax in the country you have left. For further information about income tax contact HM Revenue and Customs Residency Department (see section 8 for details). Factsheet 25 March of 23

6 3.1 State Pensions and Winter Fuel Payments The UK State Pension is based on National Insurance contributions. If you have paid contributions in more than one country you may get separate pensions from the different countries. Sometimes contributions made in a European Union (EU) country or a country with which the UK has a reciprocal agreement may help someone get a UK pension. The UK pension is payable anywhere in the world but only people living in the EEA, Switzerland or a country with which the UK has a social security agreement that includes state pensions receive the annual pension increases. If you have not been getting the annual increases, your pension will be increased to the current rate if you return to live in the UK. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information (see section 8 for details). Most people over the State Pension age for women in the UK are also entitled to a Winter Fuel Payment. These are not normally payable while you are living abroad unless you are living in an EEA State or Switzerland and have a genuine link to the UK, but will be payable if you return to the UK. Contact the Winter Fuel Payment Team at the International Pension Centre for more information (see section 8). See Age UK s Factsheet 19, State Pension, and Factsheet 1, Help with heating costs, for further information on State Pensions and Winter Fuel Payments respectively (Age Cymru produce a separate version of Factsheet 1 for Wales (1w), Help with heating costs in Wales). 3.2 Means-tested benefits You may qualify for financial assistance through benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction once you have returned to the UK. These benefits are means-tested, which means that your income and capital are taken into account when working out whether you have an entitlement. Factsheet 25 March of 23

7 There are two parts to Pension Credit and you may qualify for one or both of them. Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level set by the Government. Savings Credit is extra money for people who have an income higher than the basic State Pension or who have a small amount of capital. Housing Benefit provides means-tested help towards rent, and Council Tax Reduction can reduce Council Tax payments. Pension Credit can be claimed by people who have attained at least the State Pension age for women but from the summer of 2014 some couples may have to apply for a new benefit called Universal Credit if one member of the couple has not reached women s State Pension age. You may have to pass the HRT (see section 2.1) to claim these benefits. For Pension Credit you must also be in Great Britain when you claim. Contact The Pension Service to apply for Pension Credit (see section 8). Contact your local authority to apply for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Reduction. Age UK s Factsheet 48, Pension Credit, Age UK s Factsheet 17, Housing Benefit, Age UK s Factsheet 21, Council Tax Age UK s Factsheet 88, Universal Credit give more information about these benefits (in Wales, instead of Factsheet 21 see Age Cymru s Factsheet 21w, Council Tax in Wales: information about the tax and help you might get towards your bill). 3.3 Disability benefits and Carer s Allowance You may be able to claim Personal Independence Payment (PIP) if you are under 65 and you have difficulty with mobility or personal care because of a disability or illness. You may be able to claim Attendance Allowance (AA) if you are 65 or over and you have difficulty with personal care because of disability or illness. Carer s Allowance is a benefit for those who care for someone who gets AA, PIP or Disability Living Allowance (which is currently being phased out). To claim any disability benefits or Carer s Allowance you must be present and ordinarily resident in Great Britain and have been present for not less than 104 of the last 156 weeks (ie 2 out of the last 3 years) (see section 2.2 on Ordinary residence ). Factsheet 25 March of 23

8 The 104-week presence requirement does not apply for PIP and AA if you are terminally ill. If you are covered by EU rules, periods of residence in another EEA country may count as residence in Great Britain for these benefits, and reciprocal agreements with some non-eea countries contain similar rules. In some cases you may be able to rely on EU law to satisfy the 104-week presence test. Seek specialist advice if this might apply to you. There is an Age UK Factsheet on each of these benefits: Factsheet 34, Attendance Allowance, Factsheet 87, Personal Independence Payment, Factsheet 52, Disability Living Allowance and Factsheet 55, Carer s Allowance. 3.4 Tax credits and Child Benefit You may be able to claim Working Tax Credit if you are working and have a low income. You may be able to claim Child Tax Credit and Child Benefit if you have a dependent child. You need to be present and ordinarily resident in the UK to claim these benefits (see section 2.2 on Ordinary residence ). For Child Benefit the child must also be present and ordinarily resident in the UK. Tax Credits are dealt with by HM Revenue and Customs (see section 8). 4 Health doctors, dentists and hospital treatment The fundamental principle of the NHS is that no one should be denied necessary emergency NHS treatment in the UK, whether or not they are resident in the UK. However, the NHS is primarily intended for people who are living lawfully in the UK and are considered ordinarily resident. Free non-emergency NHS treatment is therefore generally restricted to people who can show they are ordinarily resident in the UK. You may be asked for some evidence a rental agreement or utility bill to show that you are settled in the UK before being accepted as a patient at a GP practice. (see section 2.2 on Ordinary residence ). Factsheet 25 March of 23

9 Note: If you take regular prescription medication, it is important to bring sufficient supplies to meet your needs until you can register with a GP practice. It will also be helpful to doctors in the UK if you can bring a copy of your current medical records (translated as necessary) with you. If that is not possible, your doctor may be willing to prepare a summary that includes key facts about your medical history, e.g. fitting of pacemaker, significant surgery, your current medical conditions and medication, and any allergies or adverse reactions to medication. 4.1 Registering with a GP practice On your return to the UK, it is important to register with a local GP practice as soon as possible. GPs act as the gateway to community-based NHS services and can, when necessary, refer you to a hospital-based consultant for further tests and treatment. You must go through your GP to be referred to a hospital-based consultant for NHS tests and treatment. If you are staying temporarily with family or friends while looking for permanent accommodation, it is possible to register as a temporary patient with a local GP practice. This is appropriate for a stay of more than 24 hours but less than 3 months. Each GP practice has a designated area agreed with NHS England, or in Wales the Local Health Board (LHB). In England from October 2014, patients will have greater choice of GP practice as all GP practices will be able to register patients from outside their designated area but this will be without any obligation to provide home visits. In-hours urgent medical care when needed at or near home for patients who register with a practice away from home will be arranged by NHS England. In England, you can call NHS England or look on the NHS Choices website for details of local GP practices. This website explains how the NHS is organised in England and allows you to search by postcode to find the GP practices and other NHS services nearest your home. Links from NHS Choices take you to the websites for the NHS in the other three nations. See section 8 for contact details. Factsheet 25 March of 23

10 In Wales, you can call NHS Direct Wales or use a search facility on their website to find details of local GP practices see section 8 for contact details. When you apply to register with a practice, you will be asked for your current address and whether you are registered with a GP practice elsewhere. Your answers may trigger the practice to ask for evidence that you are ordinarily resident in the area. You will also be asked if you have an NHS number. This has replaced the old NHS medical card. If you have kept your medical card this may be helpful, otherwise the GP practice will explain how to get your NHS number. From April 2014 patients aged 75 or over will be allocated a named GP at their practice. This GP will have overall responsibility for their care and must ensure their NHS care, and where appropriate joint packages of NHS and social care, is well co-ordinated. Age UK s Factsheet 44, NHS services explains more about registering with a GP practice in England and outlines the range of NHS services available. For the equivalent information in Wales, see Age Cymru s Factsheet 44w, NHS services in Wales. 4.2 Finding a dentist It is not necessary to go through your GP for a referral to a dentist offering NHS treatment you can approach a dentist yourself. If you cannot find a local dentist for routine NHS treatment in England, contact NHS England; in Wales contact NHS Direct Wales (see section 8). Many UK dentists have both NHS patients and private patients. Make sure the dentist is willing to treat you as an NHS patient, unless you want to be a private patient and pay private rates for your treatment. Not all treatments are available under the NHS scheme. Treatments such as tooth whitening and dental implants are not. Some treatments such as providing dentures can be offered as NHS treatment or privately. Therefore you can ask to have some treatment privately, even if you want the majority of your treatment to be as an NHS patient. If you do not have a regular dentist and need emergency treatment in England you should contact the freephone NHS 111 service; in Wales contact NHS Direct Wales. These services can advise on your best course of action or give details of the nearest dentist offering emergency or out-of-hours care. Factsheet 25 March of 23

11 As an NHS patient, you will have to pay one of three standard fees according to the type of treatment you need. For more information on dental services in England see Age UK s Factsheet 5, Dental care NHS and private treatment (or in Wales see Age Cymru s Factsheet 5w, Dental care: NHS and private treatment in Wales). 4.3 Help with health costs Most NHS services are free to everyone but there may be charges for NHS prescriptions, dental care, sight tests, glasses or contact lenses. NHS prescriptions and sight tests are free if you are aged 60 or over but you may be asked to pay for dental care, glasses or contact lenses 1. However, if you receive the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit you do not have to pay for dental care and are entitled to a voucher towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you are on a low income but not entitled to Guarantee Credit, you may be entitled to full or partial help with these costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This is explained in Age UK s Factsheet 61, Help with health costs (or in Wales see Age Cymru s Factsheet 61w, Help with NHS health costs in Wales). 5 Care and support at home and in care home accommodation To receive social care you must be ordinarily resident in a particular area in the UK (see section 2.2 on Ordinary residence ). 1 NHS prescriptions are free for people of all ages who live in Wales, regardless of income or savings. People over 60 in Wales can also get free dental check-ups, though note that this doesn t include dental treatment which, for example, may be needed if the dentist identifies work that needs doing as a result of the check-up depending on your circumstances you may be asked to pay for dental treatment. Factsheet 25 March of 23

12 If you are returning to the UK in immediate need of care it is important to understand that a local authority only has a duty to assess you once you are present in person and that they may not have a duty to provide long-term care services following this assessment. This means that it is often difficult to arrange publicly funded care before you return because a local authority will usually want to assess you in person. In addition, unless you can demonstrate the required connection to an area and that you meet the local eligibility criteria, a local authority may conclude it has no duty to provide long-term care for you. This is likely to be a particular problem if you are in need of residential care. Given the initial potential uncertainties of establishing your rights to long-term care provision before you establish yourself in the UK it is necessary to plan ahead. You might, for example, return to the UK and privately place yourself in care home accommodation temporarily to establish your ordinary residence and then request a needs assessment from the local authority covering that area. Where ordinary residence has been established the local authority has a duty to carry out an assessment of needs when requested and may, for example, recommend the provision of care home accommodation to meet the identified eligible needs. However, it may not agree with your wishes and its assessment outcome may result in a recommendation for a different type of service, or it may conclude that your needs do not meet their eligibility criteria. In this case it should provide you with support and information to assist you to meet your own needs. Age UK s Factsheet 41, Local authority assessment for community care services summarises the ordinary residence guidance for England. It also outlines your rights to social services following a needs assessment. For equivalent information in Wales, see Age Cymru s Factsheet 41w, Local authority assessment for community care services in Wales. Factsheet 25 March of 23

13 Age UK s Factsheet 6, Finding help at home provides general information about services that may be available for people in their own homes. These may be obtained privately or provided by local authority social services departments. The type of help available, and how much is charged for it, can vary considerably between local authorities. See Age UK s Factsheet 46, Paying for care and support at home for more details. In Wales, see Age Cymru s equivalent factsheets 6w and 46w. If you think you need residential care to be provided by social services they will assess you and decide whether they think you need a care home or whether other options could meet your identified needs. These might include help at home or some form of sheltered housing. If you need a care home there are national rules that set out whether you must pay for it yourself or whether the local authority should pay some or all of the cost. If the local authority is involved in your care home provision it will carry out a means test based on these rules. Details of the rules are in Age UK s Factsheet 10, Paying for permanent residential care (or in Wales, Age Cymru s Factsheet 10w, Paying for permanent residential care in Wales). If a qualified (registered) nurse needs to be involved in providing some of your care, the NHS will pay for the time spent by the nurse. This may be in a care home or in your own home. In a case where it can be shown that you have a high level of need that is primarily health related (a primary health need ), the NHS has a duty to fund the entire cost of your care. For further information about the process for deciding whether the NHS is responsible for meeting the cost of your long-term care needs see Age UK s Factsheet 20, NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care (or in Wales, Age Cymru s Factsheet 20w, NHS continuing healthcare and NHS-funded nursing care in Wales). 6 Housing Your choice of accommodation may depend on your financial situation, personal preferences and what is available in the area you want to live in. Finding a suitable, permanent home may take time and you may need to stay somewhere temporarily, for example with family or friends or a short-term private rental. Factsheet 25 March of 23

14 If you are thinking about buying a property, you may choose from either suitable mainstream housing or a specialist retirement home. To find out about prices and what is available in the area contact local estate agents. You will need to calculate all the expenses involved in moving such as legal fees, Stamp Duty and survey costs. For information about retirement homes see Age UK s Factsheet 2, Buying retirement housing; for details of schemes in your preferred area contact the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC, see section 8). Rented housing can be provided by local authorities (councils), housing associations or private landlords. Housing provided by councils and housing associations is known as social housing. Both social housing and some private landlords also offer specialist rented housing for older people known as sheltered accommodation. For more information see Age UK s Factsheet 64, Retirement (sheltered) housing; for details of schemes in your preferred area contact the EAC. In order to access social housing from a local authority you must pass the Habitual Residence Test (HRT) (see section 2.1). There is no general entitlement to social housing for anyone in England and Wales. Even if you pass the HRT and become eligible for housing assistance you will have to qualify for assistance according to a local authority s housing allocation scheme which describes how it prioritises people, or meet the criteria under which a statutory duty arises for households that are homeless. Increasingly, local authorities are prioritising applications for allocating their social housing to those applicants who can fulfil their residency requirements so if you are considering social housing as an option you will need to access the relevant local authority s allocation scheme. If you are eligible for housing assistance, homeless and vulnerable because of old age, mental illness, physical disability or other special reasons the local authority may then have a duty to provide you with accommodation. For more information see Age UK s Factsheet 8, Council and housing association housing. Factsheet 25 March of 23

15 The availability, standard and price of private rented accommodation can vary. You can find housing to rent by using the local press, websites or a letting agency. Most private rented tenancies are let on an assured shorthold basis which means that the landlord has the right to bring your tenancy to an end after the first six months. It is possible to negotiate a longer let directly with the landlord. You will be required to pay a deposit up-front (usually 1 or 2 months rent). Some private providers of sheltered accommodation offer assured tenancies that provide more security. For more information see Age UK s Factsheet 63, Finding private rented accommodation. You may be able to get financial assistance to help you pay some of your housing costs such as rent and Council Tax. You will have to pass the HRT to access this help (see section 6). For more information see Age UK s Factsheet 17, Housing Benefit and Factsheet 21, Council Tax (in Wales there is a separate version of the factsheet on Council Tax Factsheet 21w, Council Tax in Wales: information about the tax and help you might get towards your bill. 7 Useful organisations Care Quality Commission (CQC) The independent regulator of adult health and social care services in England, whether provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies or voluntary organisations. The CQC website provides a wide range of useful information including registered care home inspection reports. CQC National Customer Service Centre, Citygate, Gallowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4PA Tel: Website: Factsheet 25 March of 23

16 Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales (CSSIW) The CSSIW oversees the inspection and regulation of care and social services in Wales. CSSIW National office, Rhydycar Business Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ Tel: Website: Carers UK National charity working on behalf of carers that offers wide range of information on carers rights and sources of help. 20 Great Dover Street, London, SE1 4LX Tel: (free call) Website: Carers Direct Web based information for carers situated on the NHS Choices website. Also offers helpline support. Tel: Website: Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) National network of free and independent advice centres. Depending on available resources CABs may offer benefits check and help filling forms. Details of your local CAB can be found on the website. Tel: (for local contact details only not telephone advice) Website: Website: Factsheet 25 March of 23

17 Gov.uk The official government website providing information on public services such as benefits, jobs, the environment, pensions and health services. Website: Department for Work and Pensions Government department responsible for administering the social security system. Website: Elderly Accommodation Counsel Free advice on housing options for people in later life. 3rd Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP Tel: Website: Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) HIW is the independent inspector and regulator of both NHS healthcare and independent healthcare organisations in Wales. Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, Government Buildings, Rhydycar Business Park, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ. Tel: Website: HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Deals with tax matters and information about tax and National Insurance Contributions. The Residency Department deals with those who are not resident in the UK Tel: for UK callers only Tel: for callers outside the UK Website: Factsheet 25 March of 23

18 HMRC (Tax Credits) HMRC are responsible for administering child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit. Tel: Textphone: Website: Independent Age National charity providing information and advice on a variety of topics including social care, housing, benefits and community care. 6 Avonmore Road, London, W14 8RL Tel: Website: International Pension Centre (IPC) The IPC is part of the DWP (see above); it deals with all enquiries regarding the payment of State Pension and other benefits for those living abroad; also enquiries from those living in the UK who have lived or worked abroad. It can be accessed via the Gov.uk website. Tel: (or if dialling from abroad) Textphone: Website: Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI) Independent national charity that campaigns for justice in immigration, nationality and refugee law and policy. 115 Old Street, London, EC1V 9RT Tel: Website: Factsheet 25 March of 23

19 NHS Choices NHS Choices is a comprehensive web information service to help you find and use NHS services in England, identify how you can improve and make choices about your health, manage long-term conditions and learn more about the prevention and treatment of hundreds of conditions. In Wales, equivalent information can be found on the NHS Direct Wales website see below. Website: NHS 111 NHS 111 is the number to call in England if you believe you need medical advice or help urgently but it s not a life-threatening emergency. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles and the service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also use the symptom-checker on the NHS Choices website if you feel unwell and would like advice on the most appropriate action to take. Tel: 111 NHS England Call NHS England if you do not have internet access to use the NHS Choices website to search for a local GP practice or dentist. Tel: (Monday Friday 8am 6pm) NHS Direct Wales You can use the NHS Direct Wales website, or telephone their helpline, to obtain contact details for your Local Health Board and local services such as GP practices, dentists, pharmacists and support groups. NHS Direct Wales can provide you with information on a range of health topics and advice about looking after your health, managing long-term conditions and the prevention and treatment of hundreds of conditions. Tel: Website: Factsheet 25 March of 23

20 Office of the Immigration Service commissioner (OISC) The Office of the Immigration Service Commissioner (OISC) website contains the register of all approved immigration advisers in the UK and this is split between not for profit and for profit advisers, so that clients can search for free services in the first instance. The register is available at : Pension Service For information about the State Pension including forecasts and how to claim your pension. Tel: Textphone: Website: Pension Service (Pension Credit) For an overview of Pension Credit, to find out if you might be eligible and how to make an application. Tel: Textphone: Website: Welsh Government The devolved government for Wales. Tel: or (Welsh) wag-en@mailuk.custhelp.com Website: Factsheet 25 March of 23

21 8 Further information from Age UK Age UK Information Materials Age UK publishes a large number of free Information Guides and Factsheets on a range of subjects including money and benefits, health, social care, consumer issues, end of life, legal issues and employment and equality issues. Whether you need information for yourself, a relative or a client, our information guides will help you find the answers you are looking for and useful organisations that may be able to help. You can order as many copies of guides as you need and organisations can place bulk orders. Our factsheets provide detailed information if you are an adviser or you have a specific problem. Age UK Advice Visit the Age UK website, or call Age UK Advice free on if you would like: further information about our full range of information products to order copies of any of our information materials to request information in large print and audio expert advice if you cannot find the information you need in this factsheet contact details for your nearest local Age UK. Factsheet 25 March of 23

22 Age UK Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. We provide advice and information for people in later life through our, publications, online or by calling Age UK Advice. Age UK Advice: Website: In Wales, contact: Age Cymru: Website: In Scotland, contact: Age Scotland: Website: In Northern Ireland, contact: Age NI: Website: Support our work Age UK is the largest provider of services to older people in the UK after the NHS. We make a difference to the lives of thousands of older people through local resources such as our befriending schemes, day centres and lunch clubs; by distributing free information materials; and taking calls at Age UK Advice on If you would like to support our work by making a donation please call Supporter Services on (8.30 am 5.30 pm) or visit Legal statement Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales (registered charity number and registered company number ). The registered address is Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London, WD1H 9NA. Age UK and its subsidiary companies and charities form the Age UK Group, dedicated to improving later life. Factsheet 25 March of 23

23 Disclaimer and copyright information This factsheet has been prepared by Age UK and contains general advice only which we hope will be of use to you. Nothing in this factsheet should be construed as the giving of specific advice and it should not be relied on as a basis for any decision or action. Neither Age UK nor any of its subsidiary companies or charities accepts any liability arising from its use. We aim to ensure the information is as up to date and accurate as possible, but please be warned that certain areas are subject to change from time to time. Please note that the inclusion of named agencies, websites, companies, products, services or publications in this factsheet does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement by Age UK or any of its subsidiary companies or charities. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this factsheet is correct. However, things do change, so it is always a good idea to seek expert advice on your personal situation. Age UK. All rights reserved. This factsheet may be reproduced in whole or in part in unaltered form by local Age UK s with due acknowledgement to Age UK. No other reproduction in any form is permitted without written permission from Age UK. Factsheet 25 March of 23