Pensioners told to secure financial support
Pensioners could help add to their savings by taking advantage of the state support that is set aside for those over 65, says Citizens Advice (CA).
The CA, which operates a network of independent charities to offer people legal and financial advice, says that many pensioners are simply ignoring the potential for helping them cope with rising household bills.
And, with millions potentially eligible for support to help pay basic household bills, CA is urging savers and those in debt to act now to beat the deadline for claims.
With official estimates predicting that four in ten pensioners are entitled to pension credit – which tops up the basic state retirement pension – CA says many are not getting their dues.
A staggering £2.5 billion went unclaimed in the financial year from 2005 to 2006, something CA director of policy Teresa Perchard said was important to address.
"With higher council tax bills dropping through many people’s letterboxes on top of huge hikes in the price of gas, electricity and other household bills, many pensioners are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet," she said.
"Yet billions of pounds that should be helping them is going unclaimed every year."
Ms Perchard said help could be provided to cut through the red tape and identify what savings pensioners could lay claim to.
Citizens Advice is also urging the over 60s who have not yet received a winter fuel payment to check their entitlement ahead of the March 31st deadline.
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