Pensioners urged to beat deadline (From Bury Times)

Pensioners urged to beat deadline

5:11pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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PENSIONERS who may be missing out on extra cash are being urged to beat a deadline for making a full claim.

Bury District Citizens Advice Bureau is asking pensioners to check if they could get more money to help them pay the bills before October, when a vital deadline expires.

Official estimates suggest four in 10 pensioners entitled to pension credit are not claiming it. If they did, they would increase their weekly income to £124.05 from £90.70.

If people claim now they could get a lump sum backdated up to year, so it could be as much as £400.20.

From October, the Government might change that so people can only claim benefits backdated up to three months, rather than 12. It could also make the same change to council tax benefits for pensioners.

Bury District CAB Social Policy co-ordinator Gail Dewis said: “With higher council tax bills dropping through many people’s letterboxes on top of huge hikes in the price of gas, electricity and other household bills, many pensioners are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet.

“Yet billions of pounds that should be helping them is going unclaimed every year.

“Too many pensioners are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs. We would urge any pensioner worried about money to contact us for a free, confidential benefits check without delay.

“We can also help with making claims and sorting out any problems to do with pensions, benefits and debts.

“More information about pensions and benefits for older people can be found at adviceguide.org.uk or at thepensionservice.gov.uk.

Bury District Citizens Advice Bureau can be contacted on 0845 120 3757.

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