Age NI’s benefits checker helping to ease energy bill burden
Published on 02 March 2022 12:00 AM
Energy price hikes hitting hard for older people in Northern Ireland
This winter is hitting some older people especially hard, as sharp hikes in energy costs start to bite. For older people on a modest fixed income, a sudden 50% rise in essential household bills can mean difficult budgeting decisions, just to keep warm and well at home.
How can Age NI help?
While we have no control over energy prices, we can ensure that older people are availing of all the benefits and entitlements that could make a difference to their weekly budget.
Every year our Advice Line team helps thousands of callers to find out what support is available. Last year alone, they supported older people to claim over £1million in benefits that most didn’t know they were entitled to.
More money in the pocket of those who need it
Age NI’s Advice & Advocacy service was contacted by Anne about her mother Mary, who was struggling with depression and anxiety and had growing care needs. With the significant costs of her care, the family was facing a stressful financial situation. Anne, as her mum’s appointee, sought help and advice from Age NI to check which benefits, if any, Mary was entitled to, or missing out on.
The Advice team discovered that Mary was not getting Attendance Allowance and they helped her with the claim, which was successful. She was also awarded pension credit, increasing her income by £127 per week. With the new regular payment, Mary’s annual income has increased by over £6000.
Now mum and daughter can relax, knowing that she has the means to help with the cost of her care and the pair can focus on spending quality time together.
Age NI is here for you
We want to make sure nobody misses out on the benefits they are entitled to.
A great starting point to check entitlements is Age NI’s online benefits calculator. It is free to use, and all details provided are anonymous. It takes less than ten minutes. Check it out here:
If you or someone you know needs support, get in touch with us at 0808 808 7575 or check out the Money Matters section of the Age NI website:
Our Advice Line team is funded through donations. Support Age NI today so we can help more older people who are struggling with rising energy costs this winter.
