Hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out on 'life-changing' help, warns Age UK's Caroline Abrahams
Age UK's Caroline Abrahams has warned hundreds of thousands of pensioners are missing out on support
AGE UK
As we enter into a new year and the cold sets in this week, it’s important to assess whether you or an older loved one is claiming all the money you are entitled to.
There is a huge pot of money yet to be claimed to help older people on low incomes cover the costs of higher living expenses. In fact, in the most recent year for which figures are available, 2021/2022, a total of £1.72billion of Pension Credit went unclaimed.
Rising energy prices are impacting everyone but, most worrying of all, we know older people are more affected by the cold than other age groups.
When it's chilly, older people are likely to spend more time at home than younger people, and being freezing cold can do them real harm, particularly if they already have medical problems.
That’s why it’s so important that they can heat their homes properly, helping them to stay well.
Pensioners struggling on low income are being urged to do a free benefits check
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Although financial help is on the horizon in the form of the 8.5 per cent increase to the state pension from April 1, we know that many older people are extremely worried about how they’re going to get through the next few months.
While inflation is not as high as it once was, bills still continue to rise and older people have shared with us harrowing stories of how they’re cutting back on daily meals, staying in bed to keep warm and only heating one room, just to get by.
Right now, every penny counts so we urge anyone who is feeling the pinch to contact Age UK for advice and a free benefits check.
A successful claim for Pension Credit could top up an older person’s weekly income and be transformational, relieving their anxiety and make life more manageable.
Yet despite the considerable financial benefits, a third (37 per cent) of those eligible for Pension Credit are still missing out – a huge concern, especially as inflation hasn't entirely gone away and experts say energy costs will stay high this winter.
The Government’s own figures show that 800,000 eligible pensioner households (single people or couples) are missing out.
People on low incomes may also be able to receive help with rent and council tax, while Attendance Allowance is a non-means-tested benefit older people may be entitled to if they need help with care or have an illness or disability.
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The good news is that if you are worried about your finances, there is help available.
As part of Age UK’s It Doesn’t Add Up campaign, the Charity is urging any older person living on a low income or struggling with their bills to look at our website or contact Age UK’s free Advice line on 0800 169 65 65 to check they’re receiving all the financial support available, as many aren’t.
A successful claim for Pension Credit alone is worth an average of £2,100 a year per household while Attendance Allowance can provide up to £5,300 a year, so these amounts can be life-changing, giving recipients the confidence to eat well and keep their heating on over the coming months.
Caroline Abrahams CBE is Charity Director at Age UK.