Age UK Moneybus hits £300k in benefits claims

Age UK's Moneybus, supported by Legal and General, has helped older people claim £300,000 of income- and health-related benefits in just two weeks.

Thousands of older people visited the Moneybus as it toured the country to find out what they might be entitled to. They were able to discuss their personal circumstances and get help from Age UK advisers to fill in the claim forms.

The Moneybus, part of Age UK's More Money in Your Pocket campaign, travelled to the 8 regions of England with the highest numbers of older people who were eligible for financial benefits, but hadn't claimed.

The main benefits that people have been able to claim are Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

What a difference

Angela Boggon, Senior Social Marketing Campaigns Officer, said: 'The Moneybus has made a real difference for older people, identifying benefits that the Government has designed for older people living on a low income or managing disabilities.

'One lady said to me last week, "Thank you so much. If it wasn't for the Moneybus coming I wouldn't have found out about my benefits." She'll now be better off by about £70 per week.'

Many older people don't realise that they're entitled to valuable benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance and think that having a small amount of savings or owning their own home means they aren't eligible.

'The Moneybus is just one way Age UK can help, so I would encourage older people to get in touch if they think they might be missing out,' adds Angela.