Branch Welfare Officer [BWO] training
Registration open now – don’t delay, book today!
In April, 35 BWOs successfully completed their training.
We are delighted to be able to offer opportunities during October for three cohorts [20 spaces per cohort] of BWOs to receive training.
Registration for the October courses is open now:
| Branch Welfare Officer 15 & 22 Oct 2024 | https://learning.unison.org.uk/events/branch-welfare-officer-training-oct15 |
| Branch Welfare Officer 16 & 23 Oct 2024 | https://learning.unison.org.uk/events/branch-welfare-officer-training-oct16 |
| Branch Welfare Officer 17 & 24 Oct 2024 | https://learning.unison.org.uk/events/branch-welfare-officer-training-oct17 |
It is a requirement of the BWO role, to undertake this training in addition to completing the two e-notes before dealing with members:
To make sure that you get the training you need; to feel confident to provide advice and support to members approaching you; and to get the opportunity to make contact with our caseworkers, make sure that you sign up to one of the courses above.
Government Pensioners £200 Annual Winter Fuel Allowance
Practical advice on who can still qualify for the allowance and how to go about it
As this article goes to print, everyone will be aware that on 29 July the Chancellor announced plans to scrap the winter fuel allowance for pensioners – except those on lower incomes who are in receipt of pension credit. Please read to the end of this article as there is a cut-off date by which pensioners need to be in receipt of pension credit in order to be eligible for the government pensioners winter fuel allowance. It is estimated that over 800,000 people who qualify for pension credit are not currently claiming it and will therefore miss out on this vital support.
There is a brief summary of who qualifies for pension credit and how to claim it below, but for full details please click here:
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
What is pension credit?
Pension credit is a means-tested benefit that gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over state pension age and on a low income. Those in receipt of pension credit may also qualify for help with housing costs such as ground rent or service charges.
What are the eligibility criteria to qualify for pension credit?
When you apply for pension credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together with your partners.
Pension credit tops up:
Weekly income to £218.15 if you’re single
Joint weekly income to £332.95 if you have a partner
If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.
UNISON members can use the free benefits checker to see if they qualify for pension credit [remember it is only payable if you are over State Pension age]
https://unison.entitledto.co.uk/
Or you can check using the government pension credit calculator*
https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
*If you cannot use the calculator, you can call the pension credit claim line.
0800 99 1234
NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm (except public holidays
How to apply for pension credit
Apply online
You can use the online service if you have already applied for your State Pension. This is the link: Apply now
Apply by phone
A friend or family member can call for you if you cannot use the phone.
Pension credit claim line
Telephone: 0800 99 1234
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234
British Sign Language (BSL) video relay service if you’re on a computer – find out how to use the service on mobile or tablet