AGE CONCERN’S RESPONSE TO THE ANNUAL UPRATING OF PENSION AND BENEFIT RATES ON MONDAY APRIL 9, 2007

5 April 2007

Age Concern’s Director-General, Gordon Lishman, said:

“With state benefit rates set to go up, it’s more important than ever for older people to find out if they might be entitled to some extra cash and put in a claim. Rocketing household bills over the past few years have put a major strain on the finances of many pensioners, yet up to £4.2 billion in money benefits is left unclaimed by older people every year.1

“It’s really worrying that some of the poorest and most excluded older people are missing out on money that’s rightfully theirs because they don’t know that they are entitled, are worried about the complexity of the process or are embarrassed about claiming.

“Age Concerns across the country offer clear, free and confidential help and advice which can overcome these barriers. Older people or concerned friends or relatives should contact their local Age Concern or call our helpline on freephone 0800 00 99 66 for free information and advice on claiming benefits.”