National older people’s charity Independent Age is urging people aged 65 and over who are struggling financially to check whether they are eligible for additional support, including Pension Credit. The charity has found that as many as 147,000 qualifying Midlands residents could be missing out on Pension Credit, leaving up to £319 million per year not being received in the region1.
To raise awareness of the support that is available for older people on a low income, Independent Age has partnered with FareShare Midlands to highlight the Independent Age free helpline. FareShare Midlands will be including details of the helpline in their food distribution orders. These will be sent to around 113 local organisations that support vulnerable older people throughout the East and West Midlands.
Trained Independent Age advisers are able to provide a free benefit check for people aged 65 and over. On average, callers to the helpline are missing out on more than £4,000 per year.
Independent Age, a national charity that supports older people in financial hardship, says the support has never been more needed as polling by YouGov for Independent Age highlights how the cost-of-living crisis is still causing anxiety for many people in later life. The polling showed that 34% of older people in England are currently worried about their financial situation2. When asked about what areas of household spending are causing concern, respondents said:
- Energy: 81%
- Council tax: 33%
- Food: 33%
- Household Repairs: 30%
- Medical Costs: 18%
Independent Age advisors have helped people successfully apply for benefits such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support. The Independent Age free helpline can be reached by calling: 0800 319 6789. More information about the service can be found here: https://www.independentage.org/get-support/call-helpline
Joanna Elson CBE, Chief Executive of Independent Age said:
“Far too many older people are missing out on vital entitlements such as Pension Credit. This money can be life changing, especially as the cost of living continues to cause misery for millions of people in later life yet so often older people tell us they have no idea of the support that is available. That’s why we have teamed up with FareShare Midlands. Together we can provide valuable information to thousands of older people struggling financially.”
Simone Connolly, FareShare Midlands Chief Executive, said:
“The cost-of-living crisis continues to devastate the most vulnerable members of our communities across the Midlands, including people in later life. People aged 65+ are cutting back on groceries to afford other essentials – with heating becoming a top priority once more as we head into winter. At FareShare Midlands we are seeing the need for vital food supplies grow, and by working with Independent Age we hope to aid their mission to help older people who are struggling to get all of the benefits they are entitled to during these challenging times.”
More information on Pension Credit
Pension Credit is a form of financial support which ‘tops-up’ the income of people over State Pension age who fall below an income threshold. The estimated average additional weekly amount awarded in the Midlands is approximately £64 (£63.97 in East Midlands and £64.29 in West midlands).
Those eligible could also access additional benefits to help with soaring energy costs. The Warm Home Discount gives those on Pension Credit money off their electricity bills in the winter. Those receiving Pension Credit are also entitled to a Cold Weather Payment of £25 for each 7-day period the temperature is below 0 degrees.
Other entitlements for those on Pension Credit include a free TV licence for over 75s, Council Tax Reduction and free NHS dental treatment (full list of additional benefits below).
Thabani Sitole, 74, explains how contacting the Independent Age helpline changed her life:
“I was trying to pay the bills with just my State Pension and didn’t know how to make ends meet. When the letters from the bank and energy company and other creditors started coming through saying, ‘You have to pay this much by this month – or else’, I was so frightened. I thought I was going to lose the flat. But then Citizens’ Advice Bureau told me about Independent Age and said I should give them a call.
“I phoned the Helpline, and they told me I was eligible for various benefits, including Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Council Tax Reduction. They also told me about equipment that my local council could provide for free in my flat, like stair rails, bed risers and kitchen stools. They sent me all the forms I needed and even helped me fill them out when there were questions I didn’t understand.
“I can’t tell you how happy I was when I received the letter from the government saying I was entitled to an extra £600 per month. The Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance have really allowed us to keep our roof above our heads".
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Notes to editor
References:
- Regional estimates produced by Independent Age using Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up: financial year ending 2022 and Pension Credit caseload data for the quarter to February 2023 (published August 2023)
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1,139 adults aged 65 and over. Fieldwork was undertaken between 1st - 11th September 2023. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 65+).
For media enquiries please contact
Amy Dodge, Media Communications Manager at Independent Age, 07732 691466, amy.dodge@independentage.org
Out of hours: 07545 209589
About Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity providing support for older people facing financial hardship. We offer free and impartial advice and information and grants for community organisations. We use the knowledge and understanding gained from our frontline services to highlight the issues experienced by older people who are facing financial insecurity and to campaign for change. We believe no one should face financial hardship in later life.
For more information, visit our website www.independentage.org.
Arrange to speak to one of our advisers for free and access confidential advice and information. Freephone 0800 319 6789 or email advice@independentage.org.
To make a donation or find out more about how you can support the work of Independent Age and help older people stay independent, please visit independentage.org/support-us.
About FareShare
FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity. We take good quality surplus food from the food industry and get it to frontline charities all over the Midlands, reaching more than 67,000 vulnerable people every week. We turn an environmental problem into a social solution.