Make sure you’re claiming all your entitlements

£200m worth of pension credit goes unclaimed in Wales each year 

As we approach the winter months, Age Cymru is urging older people in Wales to maximise their income by claiming all their benefits and entitlements.   

Last year the Age Cymru Partnership helped older people across the country claim more than £7.5m, but it wants to do so much more. 

Sadly, millions of pounds worth of support, including £200m worth of Pension Credit, go unclaimed in Wales each year. 

Gavin Thomas, Head of Programmes and Services says, “It’s such a shame that so many older people are missing out on financial support to which they are entitled.  This is money that they could use to help pay for their food and fuel bills.  

“We hear from people who are put off claiming because they have had their applications turned down previously, but we would urge them to try again as their circumstances may have changed.   

“Older people have contributed to the welfare system for most of their working lives, so they are very much entitled to seek the support they need.” 

The charity publishes a guide called More Money in Your Pocket that offers information about a range of benefits and how to go about claiming them. The full range of money guides are available free of charge from Age Cymru Advice. 

If you want to talk to someone directly about benefits and entitlements, so you can make sure you're not one of those missing out, call the charity on 0300 303 44 98 (charged at a local rate) Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. You may also email advice@agecymru.org.uk or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/advice. 

Notes to Editors 

Key benefits and entitlements at a glance 

Help with heating costs 

It is vitally important that you keep yourself and your home warm during winter and there are several initiatives available to help you pay your fuel bills and keep your home energy efficient. Age Cymru has developed a free factsheet called Help with Heating Costs in Wales that explains all the various initiatives that are available to support older people during the winter including Winter Fuel Payments, Cost of Living Payments, and the Warm Home Discount scheme. 

Pension Credit is one of the key benefits and can top-up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum of £201.05 if you’re single or £306.85 if you’re a couple. And even if you have some savings, you could get £15.94 extra per week if you’re single or £17.84 if you’re a couple. 

Pension Credit could also help you get some other entitlements such as an exemption from Council Tax, free NHS dental treatment, help with the cost of glasses, and a cold weather payment of £25 when the temperature is 0°C or below for 7 days in a row.  And if you’re over 75, Pension Credit will enable you to claim a free TV licence. 

Attendance Allowance is a benefit for older people aged 66 or over who may need extra help to stay independent at home, due to an illness or disability. It is worth £68.10 a week if you need help either in the day or at night or £101.75 a week if you need help both in the day and at night.