The Age Cymru Partnership is urging older people across Wales to have a conversation with the charity about claiming benefits and entitlements as it launches its campaign More Money in your Pocket, to support older people in Wales who are missing out on thousands of pounds worth of benefits.
This is money that could support the day-to-day lives of many eligible older people across Wales. Age Cymru’s 2024 survey ‘What matters to you?’ found that nearly half (48%) of the 1300 plus respondents said the cost-of-living crisis was a challenge in the past 12 months.
The Partnership’s Advice teams are therefore encouraging older people to explore all their options, even if they couldn’t claim previously. It says it’s worth revisiting claims because your personal circumstances may have changed which could now make you eligible for certain benefits.
Of course, it’s more important than ever that people claim all their benefits and entitlements following the Westminster Government’s announcement that it is to restrict Winter Fuel Payments to those claiming Pension Credit and some other similar benefits. Pension Credit is often referred to as a gateway benefit as it can open up support for older people in so many other ways.
Age Cymru’s Information and Advice Manager Nel Price says “Claiming all the available benefits and entitlements can make such a huge difference to older people’s lives and enable them to manage their finances so they can pay their bills and hopefully have some spare cash left over to socialise with family and friends, or perhaps even invest a little into a nest egg for later years.
“So please, if you, or an older person you know, is struggling financially please get in touch with the Partnership so we can have a conversation about all the options that might be available.”
How the Partnership helped one older couple increase their annual income by £16,346
An older couple approached one of the Age Cymru partners seeking advice on getting financial help to make adaptations to their bathroom. As well as advice on making adaptations to their bathroom, the couple were given a full benefits check to explore their eligibility for a range of benefits and entitlements from Pension Credit to Council Tax Reductions and from Carer’s Allowance to Cost of Living payments.
As a result, the couple ended up increasing their annual income by £16,346 so they can now live a more comfortable life free from the stresses of money worries and have the necessary adaptations made to their bathroom.
For more information call Age Cymru on 0300 303 44 98 Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm, email [email protected].
You may also call your local Age Cymru partner:
Age Cymru Dyfed – 03333 447 874
Age Cymru Gwent – 01633 240 190
Age Cymru Gwynedd a Môn – 01286 677711
Age Cymru Powys – 01686 623707
Age Cymru West Glamorgan – 01792 648 866
