Thousands of older people are receiving life-changing financial boosts worth thousands of pounds each year, thanks to a fund backed by Skipton Building Society.
The support is helping pensioners uncover money they did not know they were entitled to, with one describing the help as "an absolute Godsend."
A partnership between Skipton Building Society and Age UK has enabled thousands of elderly individuals to access an average of £5,499 annually in previously unclaimed benefits.
The building society, which allocates one per cent of its pre-tax group profits to charitable causes, selected Age UK as its beneficiary following a member vote in 2024.
The collaboration funds Age UK's national advice helpline, comprehensive support sessions and research examining how rising living costs affect elderly households.
Through an initiative called A Place to Call Home, the partnership aims to assist 5,500 elderly individuals with maintaining independent living whilst identifying £11million in unclaimed entitlements.
One recipient of the support described the service as "an absolute Godsend". The older person explained: "You did what you said you would do, and quickly too. You really care. Life is much easier getting round the house. It has helped with my confidence.
"I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I can sleep better at night. You have helped me clear my debts and get rid of my financial worries by supporting me with council tax and housing benefits."
The scheme was launched in October 2024 and has already helped 1,242 people. So far, it has uncovered £4.6million in unclaimed annual benefits for 760 pensioners, with Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit the most common. The average entitlement being £5,499 per person per year.
The scheme was launched in October 2024 and has already helped 1,242 people
| PA/GETTYThe demographic breakdown shows recipients ranging from 50 to over 90 years old, with those aged 70-79 forming the largest group and women representing 57 per cent of beneficiaries.
The project is run by 11 local Age UKs and aims to provide one-to-one advice to 5,500 older people, helping them live independently in safe and warm homes.
The funding has also supported 14,000 calls to Age UK’s Advice Line, which offers free specialist help 365 days a year for vulnerable older people, their families and carers. Many callers are facing complex later-life issues and turn to the service during times of crisis.
Research funded through the partnership has highlighted how older people remain under pressure from the cost of living, with Age UK warning the situation has worsened since last year.
Disabled pensioners, renters and those on modest incomes are among the hardest hit
| GETTYDisabled pensioners, renters and those on modest incomes are among the hardest hit, and one in three older people – equivalent to 4.1 million – say they feel less financially secure heading into 2025 compared to 2024.
David Travis, Group Secretary and General Counsel at the Skipton Group, said: "Age UK was chosen by our members to receive funding over a three-year period.
"This funding will help provide vital information, advice, support and friendship for older people – including those living in poverty or in deprived communities.
"Our funding will directly support some of the most vulnerable people in society. We are proud to be working with Age UK to deliver bespoke support to some of those most in need and continue to campaign and raise awareness around the most pressing issues impacting older people."
Delivery of the programme has seen 550 people referred to the Department for Work and Pensions and housing or health providers
| GETTYDelivery of the programme has included home visits, phone consultations and face-to-face sessions outside the home, with 550 people also referred to other organisations such as local councils, the Department for Work and Pensions and housing or health providers.
Paul Farmer, Age UK's CEO, commented: "It's a tough time right now and the funding Skipton are giving to us will help us support thousands of older people.
"Skipton really understand the challenges that older people are facing and seeing the difference that their funding is enabling us to make to older people to help them feel safe in their communities, but critically feel safe at home, is very rewarding."