Many households are unwittingly overlooking payments, from the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). An initiative led by Age UK with the Rothesay Foundation has brought attention to the number of individuals who are not taking advantage of the benefits they are eligible for.
Thousands of Households Missing Out on £6,319 on Average — Check Your Eligibility
By Chourouk Derkaoui
Published on 26 November 2024 18:37
Age UK and the Rothesay Foundation's recent campaign revealed a worrying trend: many households are missing out on vital benefits, with some losing out on payments worth up to £6,319 from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Even in a pilot group, it was found that 76% of participants did not claim the benefits to which they were entitled, despite the substantial financial assistance available.
Benefits Older People Are Missing Out On
The campaign identified the following key benefits that older people are often missing out on:
| Benefit | Percentage Missing Out | Average Value of Missed Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Pension Credit | 37% | £4,910 |
| Attendance Allowance | 66% | £5,930 |
| Housing Benefit | 17% | £6,319 |
How Age UK and the Rothesay Foundation Are Making a Difference
Paul Farmer, CEO of Age UK, shared that the organization has already helped over 4,500 older people identify the benefits they are entitled to and aims to help even more in the coming years. For many, this financial support can be life-changing, alleviating tough decisions such as:
- Choosing between paying for heating or food.
- Deciding whether to purchase warm clothes or essentials.
- Managing the financial strain of buying a small Christmas gift for a loved one.
James Dickson, Chairman of the Rothesay Foundation, emphasized the importance of this campaign in highlighting financial relief through benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance. These benefits can offer thousands of pounds of support each year.
How to Check Households Entitlements
To further assist households in claiming their benefits, Age UK has introduced the Better Off Calculator, a tool that allows individuals to easily check their benefit entitlements and see how claiming could improve their household budget. This tool is available for free and can help users:
- See how much benefit they may be eligible for.
- Understand how much better off they might be in work.
- Analyse how changes in household income can affect their financial situation.