Older people encouraged to claim full benefit entitlement

A network of Benefits Advice Programmes has established by the Partnership in selected areas of the UK. To date more 15,000 older people have been advised about their benefit entitlement and a total of 8 million pounds has been reclaimed. Projects in East Sussex can be found at :

Eastbourne CAB

Unit 6

Highlight House

8 St. Leonard's Road

Eastbourne

BN21 3UH

Steve Jones Communications and Marketing Director at Help the Aged said, "Each year older people fail to claim 4 billion in benefit. It is vitally important that individuals claim their full benefit entitlement. Even small amounts of money can help with those everyday essentials and maybe even provide one or two luxuries. The process of claiming can take in some instances only a few weeks and so if claims are made now there maybe a little more money in time for New Year."

The Partnership has prepared a guide that explains why it is important to claim and how to access services that can help with the process. This guide can again be found by accessing www.helptheaged/staywarminwinter

"Benefits are not a hand out or charity and even though the benefits system can be complicated there are a number of independent organisations that can help someone claim. Remember there is support out there," commented Steve Jones.

Kevin Pringle, British Gas Help the Aged Spokesperson said, "Research from the London School of Economic commissioned by British Gas* shows that many older people fail to claim 1,500 in full benefit entitlement each year. That is equivalent to 30 per week and that is why through our long standing Partnership with Help the Aged we have funded a series of projects that provide individuals with face to face support to help them through the intensive process of claiming benefits."