Service Charge

At each Court the Service Charge covers:

• The salaries of all the staff at the Court
• One and a half hours of weekly domestic assistance for every property
• The cleaning of the communal areas
• The costs of a handyman and gardener and all ancillary services such as external window cleaning
• Comprehensive buildings insurance
• Public and Employers Liability Insurance
• General routine maintenance of the buildings, equipment and grounds
• Electricity, gas and water charges for the communal areas
• General office administration
• Audit and accountancy fees
• Contributions to a Fund for Future Maintenance which allows for the cost of all foreseen major maintenance work and periodic refurbishment.

The service charge at each Court compares very favourably with the cost of residential care or even extended domestic help at home. The fact that Very Sheltered Housing is successful in reducing demands on public services means that a range of benefits are available which make the monthly service charge affordable for anyone who requires the services offered at the Courts.

Most of our Owners qualify for Attendance Allowance which is not means tested. Some also qualify for other benefits such as pension credit. In some circumstances the available benefits may cover the service charge and enable comfortable living for those with even a modest income.

Each Court’s Service Charge is agreed by the Court’s Board of Directors prior to the beginning of each financial year. Under normal circumstances any increase in the Service Charge is limited to the same percentage as the September Retail Price Index. Any proposal to increase it by more than this is subject to a formal vote at an Extraordinary General Meeting of all the shareholders at the Court.

Common questions about the Service Charge and answers to those questions may be found in the FAQs section of the web site. Some more information about benefits for older people is below but we at Retirement Security routinely help our Owners with benefits advice. We will work out your entitlement and help you claim and, if need arises, we will help you with appeals and problems. So, if you are thinking about Very Sheltered Housing and want to know if you will be able to afford it, just contact us.

Attendance Allowance

This is for people aged 65 and over who require some assistance with daily living. For example, help with dressing, washing or moving around at home.
Attendance Allowance is not means tested or taxable and does not have to be accounted for. Most people who are interested in and require the services and peace of mind provided by Very Sheltered Housing should be entitled to this benefit.
There are two weekly rates:

£49.30 a week if you need help by day or by night and £73.60 if you need help by day and by night. These figures apply to the financial year 2011-12.

If you are considering a move to Very Sheltered Housing and you think you may qualify for Attendance Allowance do not hesitate to contact us. for advice and assistance with making your application.

Pension Credit

Nearly half of all pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit which was introduced in October 2003. Many people who could be getting this extra money have not yet made a claim.

Pension Credit:

Pension Credit is an income related benefit for pensioners living in Great Britain. It is made up of two different parts, Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit.

Guarantee Credit

The Guarantee Credit works by topping up your weekly income to:

• £137.35 if you are single
• £209.70 if you have a partner

These amounts may be more if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest payments. These figures apply to the financial year 2011-12.

Savings Credit

If you are aged 65 or over and living in Great Britain you may be entitled to Savings Credit. You may get the Savings Credit on its own or with the Guarantee Credit. You may be entitled to Savings Credit if you:

• are aged 65 or over
• have made some provision towards your retirement such as savings or a second pension

If you have a partner, at least one of you must be 65 or over to get the Savings Credit.
The Savings Credit can be up to:

• £20.52 a week if you are single
• £27.09 a week if you have a partner

You may still get the Savings Credit even if the money you have coming in is up to about:

• £188 a week if you are single
• £277 a week if you have a partner

These amounts may be more if you are disabled, have caring responsibilities or certain housing costs, such as mortgage interest payments. These figures apply to the financial year 2011-12.

If you are considering a move to Very Sheltered Housing and you are concerned that you would not have sufficient money to live comfortably in one of our developments, contact us. We realise benefit entitlement can sometimes be confusing so we are happy to help and advise.