11. What happens if I go into hospital?
Y
must let your local social security office know if you or your wife have to go into hospital. If you are married your money will usually stay the same for the first 8 weeks you or your wife are in hospital. If either of you stay longer you will lose £3.50 a week. This is because your household expenses are less while you are in hospital.
If you are in hospital and have no wife/husband or other dependant at home you should get enough money to meet your rent and any other reasonable outside commitments plus £3.50 for personal expenses.
You can get help with your travelling expenses to hospital as a patient-see paragraph 15.
12. What happens if I move?
Let your local social security office know as soon as possible. If you have any removal expenses, they may be able to help you, but they will need to see estimates from three different firms of furniture removers.
13. What else should I do after I get a
supplementary pension?
Always let your local social security office know if your circumstances change in any way. The yellow pages at the end of your order-book tell you the changes that are most likely to occur.
Tell your local office of any part-time earnings. They could affect your supplementary pension even if they do not affect your retirement pension. Let your local social security office know if you have any problems or difficulties. They may not always be able to give direct help, but they can generally contact someone who can.
If you are separated or divorced, tell your local social security office if you are getting any maintenance. You will be asked for information to enable the local social security office, if necessary, to approach your husband if he seems to be liable to pay maintenance.
14. What can I do if I am puzzled or dissatisfied? Ask your local social security office for a written explanation of how your benefit is worked out. Or if you prefer ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau or Age Concern. Tell the local office if you think they have made a mistake or have got the facts wrong.
If you still think the decision is wrong, you can appeal to an independent Appeal Tribunal. All you have to do is write to the local social security office no later than 21 days after the decision saying you wish to appeal. The local Citizens Advice Bureau or Age Concern may be able to help you with your appeal.
15. Is there any other help I can get?
Yes, you can get some other things free if you get a supplementary pension. But even if you do not qualify for a supplementary pension you may still be able to get some help with these things.
Free prescriptions-men aged 65 and over and women aged 60 and over are entitled to free prescriptions no matter how much money they have. Simply sign the declaration on the back of the prescription.
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