A quarter of over-65s are struggling financially, yet up to £5.5 billion in financial help goes unclaimed every year, according to new research for Age UK.
With new figures from its Chief Economist’s Report also revealing that a quarter of all over-65s feel financially worse off compared with this time last year, and a third are worried about the general cost of living, the charity is warning that much more must be done to get vital benefits cash to those who need it.
The Government’s own figures show that one in ten pensioners would not be able to pay an unexpected expense of £200, to replace a broken washing machine for example, and half of those who could afford to pay would have to dip into their savings to do so.
Yet millions of older people who are struggling to survive on a meagre income could be entitled to benefits such as Pension Credit, which if claimed could provide a much-needed boost to their weekly income. In fact, if everyone who is eligible for Pension Credit made a claim, it could increase their income by an average of £1,716 a year.
According to Age UK, many pensioners are unaware of the help that’s available or reluctant to make a claim because they don’t realise they will be entitled to anything. Others feel too proud or embarrassed to claim, and some believe the claiming process is too complicated or intrusive.
“Managing on a low, fixed income is really tough, and many people face a daily struggle just to afford the basics,” commented Age UK’s Charity Director, Caroline Abrahams. “That is why is it so important that every older person who is entitled to claim benefits does so.”
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