AGE CONCERN’S RESPONSE TO THE ANNUAL UPRATING OF PENSION AND BENEFIT RATES

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

1. Figure calculated by Age Concern from DWP Income-Related Benefits Estimates of Take-Up in 2003/04, pub. January 31, 2006.
   
2. 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.