Mature Times - The Benefits Doctor

New website for free check from MT's Benefits Doctor

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:16:07 +0100

Mature Times' benefits doctor, Lee Healey, has launched a new pilot project to provide a checking and enabling service to help people claim the correct benefits entitlement and maximize their income.

I have means-tested problems: can you help?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 13:53:53 +0100

"My friend just spent five weeks finding out about what help she is entitled to for Council Tax Benefits, and if the system was honest instead of hiding behind the pretence at complexity being the reason for hiding public information, then she wouldn't have wasted time form filling and being humiliated into revealing personal data which is now on the state's database, ready undoubtedly for being stolen."

Mature Times' Benefits Doctor Lee Healey provides the answers to YOUR benefits queries.

Are you claiming all the benefits you are due?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:39:31 +0000

It is widely recognised that the benefits system is incredibly complex and trying to establish exactly what you are entitled to can be a minefield for most of us.

In need assistance with a roof!

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:18:29 +0100

Your reader in Berkshire (March MT) needed help with a roof repair. I wonder if they have ever been in HM Forces or any of the associated lines such as the Territorial Army etc? If so, then the Royal British Legion would have been able to help them.

Finding Work

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:29:46 +0100

I wonder if anyone can advise me on a confusing problem I have encountered with my local Jobcentre. I sign on every two weeks and secure my insurance credits under the Jobseekers agreement. Last week I was told that I will have to stop my two part time jobs and do a course on how to get a job - without any compensation for the loss of earnings.

What redress can I have against the DW?

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:27:24 +0100

Q: What redress can I have against the DWP? On reaching 60 in July

2001 they paid me Minimum Income Guarantee, the means tested benefit for older people that was replaced by Pension Credit. In 2005 I moved house and ever since they have deducted £20 per week from my benefit.

Community Charge? Council Tax Benefit!

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:22:41 +0100

Q: I am 80 and my wife is 75. Can you tell me if we can apply for at least a reduction in our community charge, which is £198 a month.

Incapacity Benefit and Private Pensions

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:16:17 +0100

Q: I took ill-health retirement in 2002, since when I have been receiving a works pension and Incapacity Benefit. Recently, my Incapacity Benefit has been reduced because of my pension - I have no problem with this. But a few months ago my Local Authority re-assessed my Council Tax Benefit and decided that I was not entitled to it.

How can I access support?

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 14:16:14 +0100

Q: I am a disabled person living in the Torbay Area. I am having problems with the local healthcare authorities and am experiencing increasing memory and cognitive problems following a severe car accident.

I have been in touch with “Headway” who agree that there appears to be a problem but I am not sure who to turn to next. I am now having severe difficulties managing my own affairs, financial and otherwise. Your advice would be very much appreciated.

The Benefits Doctor says:

It sounds to me as if you need to contact your local council’s social services department for an assessment of your needs. The assessment will highlight the areas you are having difficulty with, including managing your care needs and finances.

I want to challenge a decision

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:53:04 +0000

I have been turned down for Attendance Allowance, but I'm not giving up without a fight. I wish to appeal, but have no idea how to go about this. Can you please advise me?

What help can I get with independent living?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:49:07 +0000

What help is available to enable one to stay in one’s own home, eg: a stair lift, which I can't afford?

How do I get a Blue Badge?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:47:30 +0000

Can you advise me where to apply to get a disabled parking badge for my 85 year old disabled father-in-law?

How do I pay for Home Repairs ?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:40:25 +0000

Please can you help? I am on Income Support, and recently have had to have the flat roof of my cottage extension re-done because it was leaking through the bathroom ceiling. It was especially bad last November when we had the storms.

Home Responsibilities Protection - how can I benefit?

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:30:14 +0000

Many older women find that they have virtually no pension because they haven’t been paying National Insurance whilst bringing up children. But surely mothers who give up working should be able to apply for something called the Home Responsibilities Protection (HRP)?

Don't die on the wrong date!

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:26:03 +0000

My wife has pointed out to me that if you should have the audacity to die on a Thursday or Friday etc the Government will request repayment of the pension you received between Tuesday and whatever day you died on. Can you advise?