10:47am Wednesday 3rd September 2008
By Raeanne Nightingale
Pensioners could lose hundreds of pounds in benefits unless they act now, Age Concern Swindon is warning.
Many pensioners are already losing out on an average £1,352 a year by not claiming the Government's flagship benefit for older people - Pension Credit2.
But if they don't claim before October 6 they could also miss out on hundreds of pounds of backdated cash, according to the branch.
As part of its More Money in Your Pocket campaign, Age Concern Swindon is highlighting the fact that from October older people will only be able to claim three months of backdated Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, rather than the up to 12 months they can currently.
The charity is urging local pensioners to put in a claim now to avoid losing out.
Despite many pensioners struggling to meet the rapidly rising cost of living, millions are missing out on benefits such as Pension Credit because they find the system difficult to understand, are embarrassed about claiming or just don't realise they're entitled to the extra cash.
Five years on from the introduction of Pension Credit a third of those entitled to claim are missing out on their share of up to £2.8 billion left unclaimed each year.
Age Concern Swindon can make claiming simple and is urging older people, their relatives and carers to get in touch.
The charity offers free, clear and confidential benefits information and advice, help with filling in forms and can even offer home visits.
Val Newell, Age Concern Swindon Welfare Benefits Service Manager, said: "With the cost of living spiralling, every penny counts.
"Claiming Pension Credit and other benefits can make a huge difference to the quality of life of many older people.
"Yet one in three pensioners entitled to Pension Credit alone aren't getting the money that's rightfully theirs.
"Almost half of pensioners are entitled to Pension Credit, many are entitled to claim but just don't realise it.
"With the rules for backdating changing in October it's even more important older people claim now to ensure they don't miss out.
"Age Concern Swindon can help to make the process simple. We would urge any older person who is finding it difficult to make ends meet to call in to our special benefits advice sessions at 1 Milton Road on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings to find out what they could be missing out on or call us on 692166."
For more information contact Age Concern Swindon on 01793 692166.
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