Free benefits check putting more money into the pockets of older residents

Older people aged 75 and over are being encouraged to take part in the benefit take-up campaign organised by Lancashire County Council's Welfare Rights Service in partnership with Ribble Valley Borough Council.

Ribble Valley Borough Council has already contacted 631 over-75s in their area who were receiving either Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support. A letter was sent out by the borough council to invite them to apply for a free and confidential benefits check that would be completed by Lancashire County Council's Welfare Rights Service.

This has resulted in 180 free benefits checks, resulting in an annual cash gain for those claimants of £243,067. An additional £58,256 has also been received from back pay. Between them, these older residents have received £301,323.

County Councillor Michael Green, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Through our latest campaign we've helped put more money into the pockets of older and vulnerable residents in Ribble Valley during a time when many are feeling the pinch.

"As we have seen with this campaign and with others, the extra money really makes a big difference.

"As well as the hardworking staff of Lancashire's Welfare Rights Service, I'd also like to thank staff at Ribble Valley Borough Council for their efforts to support older residents.

"I would urge any older people who haven't taken up this offer to get in touch and ask for a free and confidential benefits check as soon as possible."

Councillor Sue Bibby, Ribble Valley Borough Council older people’s champion, said: “I am delighted that so many of our residents have benefitted from this campaign and I hope that more of our older residents come forward and benefit, as there is still time.

“I would urge our older residents to get in contact with the Welfare Rights Service and have their free confidential benefits check, as they could be a lot better off as a result and we want to help as many of them as possible.

“I would like to thank our officers and Lancashire County Council’s Welfare Rights Service for their fantastic work.”

The campaign is currently being rolled out in Preston and Lancaster, with the other Lancashire districts to follow across the next two years.

Anyone aged 75 or over who would like a free and confidential benefit check can phone the Welfare Rights Pensioners Advice Line on 01772 533321 or email infowrs@lancashire.gov.uk

More information is available about benefits available to older people at www.lancashire.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/benefits-and-financial-help/benefits-for-people-who-are-state-pension-age.