East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has welcomed the launch of Age NI ‘s Let’s Talk Money- a campaign to help older people access all the state benefits they are entitled to and has urged pensions to check that they are receiving all of their entitlements . Age NI is the organisation formed from the coming together of Age Concern and Help the Aged. They have published a new guide to claiming benefits for pensioners, available on their website at http://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/money-matters/
Roy Beggs MLA said:
“The East Antrim area has historically had very poor uptake of benefits and entitlements, especially from single females of pensionable age- compared to other constituencies. Across Northern Ireland as a whole it is estimated that £200M in benefits is left unclaimed every year. That means that local older people, many of whom have worked and paid their national insurance contributions all their lives, are potentially missing out on much needed help at a time when living costs are rising and people are struggling to get by.
Age NI have produced very informative guides written in plain English which will be of great help to older people who are currently struggling with the rising costs of living. I would commend it to everyone. My offices in Larne and Carrickfergus have the guides which we will gladly pass on and also assist more to draw down pension credit and other entitlements. I would particularly urge pensioners to check whether they are eligible for pension credits, a tax free top up to their weekly income. I would also ask families and friends to look out for pensioners and assist them in gaining the help that they may be entitled to.”
