Exactly what is Pension Credit? Well, according to AgeUK, it is a benefit for pensioners which is not being claimed by 1,200,000 (1.2 million) Pensioners who are entitled to receive a few pounds extra to their income! This means that, according to our rough calculation, amongst our total East Sussex Seniors Association membership, there could be up to 1,000 pensioners who could be receiving this benefit, but are not claiming it. Are you one of them?
Independent Age have issued a pamphlet which explains everything. Click one this link: Independent Age Pension Credit to download it, or you can telephone Freephone 0800 319 6789 if you would prefer a hard copy.
The pamphlet gives you a Freephone number to phone and a list of details you will need to make a claim. It’s as easy as that, so, go on, have a go!
What you may not realise is that if you get only £1 per week extra, having this benefit opens many other doors to other savings. For instance, most Councils give a reduction in Council Tax (possibly worth many hundreds of pounds), or an increase in Housing Benefit, plus dental treatment is free and from this year, when the rest of us have to pay for our TV Licence fee, if you are over 75 then yours will continue to be free.
So, what’s stopping you? It’s very simple, so, go on, have a go!
We would also love to hear from you that you have been successful. Letting us know by phoning Linda on 01892 770487 would give us a great deal of satisfaction to know that this message has been successful and the knowledge that many more of our members are getting what they are entitled to.
SO, GO ON, HAVE A GO!

Read the latest Healthwatch East Sussex Newsletter here:  https://eastsussex.healthwatchcrm.co.uk/civicrm/mailing/view?reset=1&id=122

Anyone living in East Sussex can join online at eastsussex.gov.uk/jointhelibrary and your library card will be posted to you. You can also visit any library and with proof of name and address get your library card straight away.
East Sussex libraries offer a variety of learning opportunities. Online bite sized tutorials can be done at home or in the library and can help with everyday digital tasks, such as sending email, browsing the internet or writing a letter. If you need assistance or get stuck using computers, the Library Service computer buddies can help. You can also join a basic IT session. Phone the libraries enquiries line 0345 60 80 196 to book a session.
Books, including large print books, are free to borrow for three weeks. If you wish to extend the loan period you can renew online at eastsussex.gov.uk/renew or over the phone using our automated renewals line 0345 60 80 195
Ebooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines can be downloaded free to your own computer, tablet or smartphone. Visit eastsussex.gov.uk/eBooks for more information on how to choose from over 7,000 titles, with more added weekly.
Many libraries have DVDs which can be borrowed for a week (Hire charge applies).
All libraries have resources relating to their own area and the county in general. You can find out about the people, history, culture and development of East Sussex, plus research advice and suggested reading. Just visit eastsussex.gov.uk/localstudies.
For people wanting to research their family history, there is free access to both “Ancestry” and “Find My Past” websites on the library computers, plus books and eMagazines on genealogy. Some libraries also have family history volunteers who may be able to help with your research.

The Wealden Senior Citizens’ Partnership is the Older People’s Forum for Wealden, a largely rural district covering roughly half the area of East Sussex. Membership is currently around 630.

Our aims are:

• to represent the views, needs and interests of older people

• to reduce isolation and loneliness amongst older people in Wealden

• to promote the positive aspects of older age

• to organise events throughout Wealden so that older people can come together to have fun, learn new things and pick up information that might be useful to them

• to publish a quarterly newsletter “Grey Matters” to keep members informed about issues of interest to older people, and to publicise events

Contact number: 01892 770487

WSCP exists to encourage older people to live a full and healthy life. How do you think that could be achieved? Should we organise more outings or events? Send out more newsletters? Do something completely different?

Whatever the future, a few helping hands is all we need to make a big difference to the lives of many older people.

If you think you could help, get in touch as soon as you can. Ring Linda Graham on 01892 770487 or email lindagraham@wealden-scp.org