Pensioners urged to claim benefits

PENSIONERS in Ashbourne are being urged to claim the benefits to which they are entitled, to help them weather the recession.

Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire has launched a More Money In Your Pocket campaign to encourage older people to claim their due.

The charity says that despite being hit hard by the economic downturn, older people are still missing out on up to £5 billion of benefits nationally each year.

A spokeswoman said the recession was taking a heavy toll on more than two million older people in the UK still living in poverty.

They were struggling to pay high energy bills and were benefiting less than other groups from the drop in inflation because of their different spending habits.

Older people with modest savings had also seen their income shrink as a result of the cuts in interest rates.

Despite all this, one in three pensioners entitled to Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit was missing out.

Katy Pugh, chief executive at Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire, said: “Last year we helped around 1,600 local older people to claim benefits, and we aim to reach even more people this year.

"There are hundreds of pensioners in Derby and Derbyshire who are missing out on cash that is rightfully theirs, which could be a crucial lifeline in times of recession like this.

“Age Concern can help make it easy to claim the money that you’re owed. We have benefits advisers available throughout the year to provide expert help and information to older people across Derby and Derbyshire.

"We would urge all older people in the area to get in touch to find out whether they can claim or call our free helpline on 01773 768 240 for more information.”

Check out Age Concern Derby and Derbyshire online