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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Press releases are intended for information only and should not be relied upon by customers when making investment decisions. While all efforts are made to ensure that the content of press releases are accurate at the time of publication, the information contained within past press releases should not be relied upon as still being current.
27.11.2007
Benefits advice now available to more blind and partially-sighted in Scotland
In the first project of its kind in Scotland, Standard Life is working in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland (RNIB Scotland) to provide much needed support and advice to blind and partially sighted people. As part of its “Alive in the Community” project, Standard Life is funding an RNIB Welfare Rights Officer for three years.
Based in Falkirk, the Welfare Rights Officer is responsible for establishing and operating a telephone based information and benefits advice service concentrating fully on the elderly in Scotland.
Many elderly people are unaware of or do not know how to claim benefit. RNIB research has found that:-
- An older person who is blind or partially sighted is three times more likely to live in poverty than a sighted person
- Four out of five blind and partially sighted pensioners receive no advice whatsoever on their entitlement to welfare benefits
- One in ten are aware which benefits they may be entitled to but have not claimed them, either because of lack of information or because the find the claim forms too difficult or worrying
- Blind and partially sighted people are much more likely to miss out on benefits due to a lack of accessible information, mobility difficulties and lack of social networks.
Delivered by a specially trained benefits advisor, the telephone-based service aims to reach all areas of Scotland. Already successful in England, the confidential service will offer blind and partially sighted people over the age of 60, information, advice and support in claiming the benefits they are entitled to. The service will also provide help with registering as blind or partially sighted, and will assist people in getting in touch with local support groups and gaining access to local services.
John Legg, Director, RNIB Scotland said, “RNIB Scotland welcomes the support provided by Standard Life and we will continue to work to improve the lives and opportunities for blind and partially sighted people. This helpline will give increased access to the benefits that people are entitled to, as well as providing a focal point for getting in touch with local services and support groups.”
Mr Legg continued, “We hope that improving benefit take up amongst pensioners would help increase their level of independence, their overall quality of life and reduce social isolation. We anticipate that an average increase of £70 per week could be claimed by this group. The extra income achieved could be spent on daily living aids; alternative forms of transport such as taxis if they find public transport unavailable or inaccessible; or it could mean that they are able to travel to visit relatives and friends further afield."
Karen Frost, Community Investment Manager, Standard Life said, “We are delighted to be involved with RNIB in providing this new service. We believe it will make a real difference to elderly blind and partially sighted people across Scotland.”
According to the RNIB, the “typical” blind or partially sighted person in Scotland is a woman in her seventies, living alone. She receives no social work services and has not left home in the last week.
- Ends –
Media enquiries please contact:
James Adams
RNIB Scotland
Phone: 0131 311 8500
Mobile: 07973 218346
Email: James.Adams@rnib.org.uk
Lesley Davidson, PR Consultant
Standard Life Assurance Limited
Direct: 0131 245 6087
Mobile: 0773 497 4190
Email: lesley_f_davidson@standardlife.com
Yvonne Savage, PR Manager
Standard Life Assurance Limited
Direct: 0131 245 0476
Mobile: 0771 248 6331
Email: yvonne_savage@standardlife.com
Notes to Editors
- RNIB Scotland benefits helpline: 0845 602 4033.
-
RNIB Scotland benefits helpline provides information and advice about:
- Claiming Benefits
- Registering as blind or partially sighted
- Local support groups and community associations
- Local services for blind and partially sighted people
- Other organisations which can provide assistance
- Over 4000 volunteers help RNIB provide many vital services that enable people with sight problems to live independently and tackle every day challenges. Those interested in volunteering can call 0845 603 0575 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
- Standard Life has approximately 7 million customers worldwide and provides an extensive range of products and services, aimed at meeting the financial requirements of customers throughout their lives.
- The partnership with RNIB is one of Standard Life’s community investment activities, forming a part of its Corporate Responsibility commitment. Corporate Responsibility is a fundamental part of Standard Life’s business philosophy and culture, comprising social, environmental and ethical matters. Its community investment activities are designed to support communities and the people who live in them.
