The pounds 1.7bn that's still going begging

Unclaimed benefits mean some older people are losing half their income, writes Nic Cicutti

Nic Cicutti
Tuesday 31 March 1998 17:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Hundreds of thousands of pensioners may be entitled to up to pounds 1.7bn in unclaimed benefits which could in some cases double the retirement income they receive, according to Age Concern, the campaign group. Pensioners are the biggest group missing out on state benefits - despite the poorest 20 per cent of single older people living on an average of just pounds 68.40 a week.

Government research shows that pensioners often do not claim for the many state benefits they are entitled to, including income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Research from Age Concern also shows that up to 60 per cent of disabled pensioners are failing to claim for attendance allowance worth either pounds 51.30 or pounds 34.30 a week, depending on the severity of their condition, which could make a significant difference to their overall earnings.

Age Concern gives the example of a severely disabled 70-year-old pensioner, living on a weekly income of pounds 70.45, consisting of pounds 64.70 in state pension plus pounds 5.75 income support. This person might be entitled to an extra pounds 96.90 a week - made up of pounds 51.30 a week attendance allowance and pounds 45.70 extra income support, which includes severe disability premium. Some 69 per cent of pensioners rely on state benefits for at least half their income and 48 per cent receive at least three-quarters of their income from state benefits.

The poorest 20 per cent of single pensioners had a net yearly income of pounds 3,557 in 1995-96, a fifth of average earnings in the general population at the time.

Age Concern believes pensioners do not claim benefits for a variety of reasons, including confusion at the potentially complicated procedures for applying, a feeling that a stigma may be attached to claiming, and a lack of awareness as to eligibility.

Age Concern has published a new issue of Your Rights 1988-89, the guide to all available benefits and how to claim them. The 152-page guide, costing pounds 3.99, is available from local Age Concern groups and bookshops, or by calling freephone number 0800 009966 between 7am and 7pm from this Friday (3 April) to 9 April.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in