10 April 2006
Age Concern’s Director-General, Gordon Lishman, said:
“With benefit rates set to go up today (Monday), it’s really important that older people find out what they are entitled to and put in a claim. Spiralling household costs are leaving many pensioners increasingly anxious about meeting the bills, yet up to £4.1 billion in benefits cash is left unclaimed by older people every year. 1
“Many older people miss out because they don’t realise what they are entitled to, don’t know how to claim, think the system is too complicated or feel there is a stigma attached to claiming benefits and would rather ‘make do’.
“Age Concern has just launched its annual Your Rights Week 2 to encourage and help older people claim what’s rightfully theirs. Free benefits information is available throughout the week from local Age Concerns and www.ageconcern.org.uk.”
Notes to editors
- Figure calculated by Age Concern from DWP Income-Related Benefits Estimates of Take-Up in 2003/04, pub. January 31, 2006.
- This year’s campaign is running from April 7 - 15. Age Concerns across the UK will be running a range of activities and benefits advice clinics throughout the week. Age Concern offers free benefits information and advice throughout the year.
