QUESTION

I am a pensioner and I need to talk to someone about what will happen to my pension if I go abroad for a period. I understand that the Social Security office doesn't deal with pensioners any more. Where should I go?

ANSWER The Pension Service is now responsible for everything to do with Retirement Pension, the Minimum Income Guarantee and Pension Credit. You can speak to someone at the Pension Service Contact Centre by ringing 0845 6060265. It's a very busy line, try ringing outside peak times. If you want to talk to someone face-to-face you can visit one of the local Pension Service surgeries that are held all over the area on different days. Ring the Contact Centre or Social Security office to find out where the nearest surgery is and when its open, or you may find a poster up in your local Post Office or library.

lJennifer Griffiths, of the Department of Work and Pensions, will answer your questions. Write to her in confidence at For Your Benefit, South Wales Guardian, 37 Quay Street, Ammanford SA18 3BS