Financial Assistance and Advice

Banking and Paying Bills

Yes - it is a sad fact of life that some local neighbourhood banks and post offices have closed, as many older people used these places as points of community contact. The good news is that modern banking methods allow people to undertake much of their banking from home, by simply using a normal touch tone phone, or by having regular accounts paid by automatic payments. There are however larger numbers of older people who still withdraw large amounts of cash from a teller, and then set off around town paying bills. Not only can this practise be risky - it is unnecessary.

All the major banks have phone banking systems that eliminate paying bills by cash. Regular accounts such as telephone, power, rates, rent, insurance can all be paid by automatic payments, and some companies offer a small discount if you do so!

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) are very common these days, although some older people are still apprehensive about using them. If people are concerned about using a machine in a very public place, there are some banks which have ATM's inside their premises.

Telebanking is one of the most common ways of banking these days. All the systems give you a Registration number and you choose a PIN (personal identification number).Once the number is called a voice prompt guides you through the various steps. These systems allow you to find out how much money is in various accounts, check out the last transactions, pay bills, or statements or cheque books, or transfer money between accounts.

A Customer Services Officer is available through the Banks Telephone Banking system. All systems offer friendly advice, and guide you through the various systems.

One of the concerns older people have, is actually getting out "cash". Of course with the prudent use of cheques, telebanking, as well as Eftpos cards, there is a reduced need for actual cash. Although there is a small charge associated with Eftpos transactions, they still offer a sensible method of paying for goods and services. Most larger retailers will offer additional cash when a purchase is made and this is a sensible idea as it reduces the number of transactions.

There are significant numbers of older people who do not have Eftpos cards. They believe that they cannot cope with the technology and would be put into an embarrassing situation in shops etc. However the experience is that the vast majority of older people can handle Eftpos transactions well. It is suggested that a relative or friend familiarise you with the actual steps. Once Eftpos transactions and ATM machines are used a few times they simply become "second nature" to use.

Paying for groceries and provisions can present a problem for older people who are not able to get out of the home. Many people use Home Support worker to accompany them to buy groceries etc. but payment presents an issue. Although the traditional corner store may still operate an "account" system, those shops are more expensive than supermarkets. Some supermarkets operate a customer care system which allows a relative or carer to sign a cheque for items. Once the system is set up with the supermarkets customer service officer they appear to operate well.

It is not a good idea to give an Eftpos card with the pin number to anyone. In cases where cash is given to a Home Support worker to purchase items - it is always good practise to keep a notebook and record the actual transactions.

Some Home Support agencies have specific policies like this one which need to be followed in all instances. Although many older people say they can totally trust their worker, such a system provides

Saving on Electricity Costs

There are various ways to save electricity costs. Contact your local electricity provider for ways to save on your power bill.

Hot Water Cylinder Covers

Some older people still prefer to have a warm airing cupboard by having poorly lagged cylinders and pipes.This method is extremely expensive, as it would be considerably cheaper to use a clothes dryer. Hot water cylinder covers can significantly reduce electricity costs on some cases. They can be easily installed. Contact your local plumbing supplier.

Heating in the Home

Heating costs will usually be the biggest part of an electricity account in winter time. Nitestore heaters are no longer as economical as they used to be.

Oil filled heaters are safe, but are not economical if left on for 24 hours, and often their electricity usage is not too dissimilar from other appliances.

A good fan heater or radiant heater often provides a good source of heat if used wisely.

Some tips for heating:

• Only heat the rooms that need to be heated
• Ensure all draughts from doors, windows etc. - are stopped up
• Insulate the ceiling areas
• Operate heaters from a thermostat mounted on the wall.

Rates Rebates

The Rates Rebate Scheme was established to provide a subsidy to low-income homeowners on the cost of their rates.

Find out more about the Rates Rebate Scheme.

Foodbanks

Foodbanks provide emergency food for those who have no food and little money to purchase food.

Returned Services Association

The Returned Services Association offers a welfare service to Returned Service men and women, their spouses and families.The Welfare Officers offer assistance for financial, emotional, housing or transport concerns.

As well as ensuring returned service personnel are getting their legal entitlements (e.g.War Pensions and Benefits),the Welfare Officers can also access trust funds to assist with other needs such as Optical, Dental, Medical expenses. In some cases assistance with gardening and transport can be arranged.

Anyone who believes they have some type of disability (including anxiety/neurosis) as a result of War Service is encouraged to phone the RSA for advice. Servicemen and women do not have to be paid up members in order to qualify for assistance. Welfare officers can visit people in their own homes.

Budget Advice Service

This is a free, confidential and voluntary money management service, providing information, education, support and advice to people to enable them to manage their finances.The service is especially for those people who have difficulty with finances.

Housing and Accommodation for Older People

Throughout most areas there are a wide range of alternative housing options designed for older people.These will range from small "pensioner" flats run by council to well appointed apartments and flats in retirement villages. Some complexes will offer few services, while others can offer rest home level care within an apartment. Likewise there will be a mixture of rentals and various purchase options.

Sometimes it is not practical to remain at home and a shift to a purpose built unit offers a more sensible option. Although some retirement village units offer a "package" of various services, it is possible that people could qualify for DHB funded help and this should be explored first.

Accomodation Allowance

Often you may qualify for Accomodation assistance through Work and Income.