Millions of older people struggling financially despite £3.5 billion in unclaimed benefits

Age UK is highlighting the rise in pensioner poverty and urging older people to check if they could be eligible to claim any additional benefits.

• Almost 1 in 4 over 65s are finding it difficult to make ends meet
• Millions of older people are not claiming benefits for which they could be eligible, such as Pension Credit
• Age UK has updated its money guides and provides a free online benefits calculator to help signpost the benefits which are available.

Pensioner poverty on the rise

According to latest government figures, 1.9 million pensioners are now living below the poverty line.

The same research found that one in 10 people over 65 would not be able to pay an unexpected expense of £200, to replace a broken washing machine for example. Age UK is urging older people who are struggling financially to check if they could be entitled to extra assistance.

What financial support is available?

The Government provides a range of benefits to help older people financially, such as Housing Benefit and Pension Credit.

Pension Credit has slightly increased this month and could be a much-needed income boost to some in later life. In fact, if people who are eligible for Pension Credit make a claim, it could increase their income by an average of £42 a week - that's £2,184 a year.

More money in your pocket

In Pension Credit and Housing Benefit alone, £3.5 billion goes unclaimed by older people every year.

Age UK's More money in your pocket guide is designed to help older people claim the benefits to which they are entitled, such as Attendance Allowance and Carers' Allowance. Download the guide for information about recent updates to benefits which came into effect earlier this month.

More money in your pocket (PDF 382 KB)

Alternatively you can call Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65 to request this guide and other benefits mini-guides.