Thousands of older Britons are being encouraged to check if they are missing out on benefits entitlement after figures suggest the average person is missing out on £6,600 a year. Research by Age UK and the Rothesay Foundation has found that 76 per cent of pensioners are not claiming benefits they are entitled to.
The survey found more than one in three people are missing out on Pension Credit, with the average claim providing support worth £4,910 a year. Two thirds of those surveyed could get extra cash through Attendance Allowance, which pays up to £5644.60 a year.
Housing Benefit proved to be underclaimed, with 17 percent missing out, yet the benefit can be worth over £6,000 a year. James Dickson, chairman of the Rothesay Foundation, said: “Too many older people are living in need in the UK despite being eligible and entitled to greater financial support.
“Through our pilot campaign with Age UK, we know that benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance can be life-changing, unlocking potentially thousands of pounds each year for those in need.” Age UK has a benefits calculator you can use to check if you are missing out on any extra income. The Rothesay Foundation is donating an additional £2.4million to expand the Age UK’s benefits check service over the next two winters.
Age UK hopes to assist a further 11,000 older people to get the benefits they are entitled to, having already assisted some 4,500 pensioners. Paul Farmer, CEO at Age UK, said: “From our conversations with older people, we know how life-changing this support can be. Many are forced to make impossible choices between heating, eating, buying warm clothes or even getting a small Christmas gift for a loved one. Older people deserve better.”
You can also use these benefits calculator tools to work out if you could be claiming more support:
Pension Credit is thought to be the most underclaimed of all benefits, with over 700,000 people missing out, despite a recent Government drive to get people to claim. The benefit tops up your income to £218.15 for single claimants and up to £332.95 if you have a partner.
Even if your income is above these levels, you may still qualify, as you can get extra weekly amounts depending on your situation, such as if you care for another adult or if you have a severe disability. Find out more about the benefit on the Government website.