Pensioners missing out on billions in benefits

PENSIONERS in areas including Wombwell, Thurnscoe and Goldthorpe are being encouraged to make sure they claim the benefits they are entitled to this winter.

The plea from Barnsley Council comes after figures showed that more than one million older people in the UK are missing out.

Statistics from the Government show that between 1.2 million and 1.6 million pensioners are failing to claim pension credit, worth around £2 billion per year.

Pension credit is a means-tested benefit aimed at toping-up retirement pensions if the Government deem that someone does not have enough to live on.

The average going unclaimed by pensioners is about £33 per week, or £1,716 per year.

Cllr Alan Gardiner, cabinet spokesman for corporate services, said: “There will no doubt be hundreds, maybe thousands of pensioners in the borough worrying about heating their houses this winter. This money could make all the difference.

“The Welfare Rights Service provides free help and advice, and anyone who wants more information on pension credit or who need help with the claim process should contact them straight away.

“Even if you don’t qualify for pension credit, they may be able to identify other benefits that you’re missing out on.”

For more information contact 01226 772360.