25.04.17
Older people miss out on £3.5bn in unclaimed benefits
Older people are missing out on £3.5bn in unclaimed benefits despite almost one in four over-65s finding it difficult to make ends meet, charity Age UK has today announced.
Research from the charity found that millions of older people who were eligible for benefits, including Pension Credit, were not claiming the money they were entitled to. The charity also warned that 1.9 million pensioners were now living below the poverty line despite not claiming their full benefits.
Additionally, Age UK reported that one in 10 people over 65 would not be able to pay an unexpected expense of £200 that can come about from having to fix household appliances amongst other common costs.
In particular, the charity is urging people to ensure that they have signed on to claim a number of benefits including Attendance Allowance, Carer’s Allowance and Housing Benefit.
The message coincides with the organisation releasing a pamphlet called ‘More Money in Your Pockets’ that informs people about what benefits they may be entitled to and the process for claiming their money back from the government.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “In Pension Credit and Housing Benefit alone, £3.5bn goes unclaimed by older people every year.
“Age UK’s ‘More Money in Your Pocket guide is designed to help older people claim the benefits to which they are entitled, such as Attendance Allowance and Carers’ Allowance. Download the guide for information about recent updates to benefits which came into effect earlier this month.”
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