Pensioners missing out on benefits

Jan 27 2010 by James Hague, Wallasey News

PENSIONERS could be missing out on as much as £50 a week according to Angela Eagle, secretary of state for pensions, who says as many as 30% of pensioners under 70 could be entitled to money they're not claiming.

Visiting Seacombe and Birkenhead last Thursday, she is spearheading the Entitlement Take-Up Campaign aimed at encouraging pensioners to claim money they may not be aware is accessible. The project will run across the Merseyside area in the coming weeks, spreading awareness of benefits available to pensioners with radio appearances, advertising and even thousands of in-home visits.

Speaking at Birkenhead Market's benefits advice day, she said: “The campaign is going very well. As pensions minister, I want to make sure people get what they're entitled to. Our goal is get one million people in the North West with Pension Credit.”

Last year in Newcastle the take-up campaign exceeded the same target.

Pension Credit may available to anyone over the age of 60, even if they have savings or own their home. Many do not claim because there's a fear and a stigma attached to claiming benefits.

Despite this, many aren't receiving it.

Ian Burgess, customer liaison manager, pins the lack of uptake on a generation difference: “These people might never have claimed benefits before, because there's a fear and a stigma attached to them. Claiming benefits might seem alien. Our aim is to help people with receiving more money, but we need them to know who we are.”

Customers at Birkenhead Market were grateful for the expert advice. Mr. Ken Jones, from Irby, said: “Angela is coming to see us at home about our small private pensions. We feel very well looked after.”

Mrs. Kitchen, of Prenton, said “I was quite happy with my pension, but you tend to sit back when you're coping. Apparently I should have been applying for credit.”

Lynda Jones, of Wallasey, said: “We feel more informed now. More people should know about this, we feel better about our pensions.”

Readers interested in finding out more can call 0800 731 4811, or visit direct.gov.uk/pensions.