Welsh charity helped older people claim more than £6.5 million in benefits last year

Age Cymru has confirmed that assisted older people in Wales to claim more than £6.5m in benefits during 2018.

This was additional income that could have a massive impact on the quality of life for those individuals who came forward seeking help.

However the charity has said that this is just the tip of the iceberg as it’s estimated that more than £3.5 billion of state benefits available to older people in the UK goes unclaimed each year.

In Wales this would equate to approximately £175 million of unclaimed benefits - a significant amount of money that could help bring about positive changes to thousands of older people in Wales.

A recent study by the National Assembly for Wales also found that more than 120,000 older people in Wales are living in poverty.

To help combat such levels of poverty amongst older people, Age Cymru has updated More Money In Your Pocket for 2019/2020 - a bi-lingual guide to help older people and their carers claim benefit entitlements in later life.

The document covers a wide range of benefits and entitlements including state pensions, pension credit, help with council tax, help with heating costs, attendance allowance and carers’ allowance.

Gavin Thomas, who manages the charity’s information and advice services across Wales, said: “Poverty can have a devastating effect on an older person’s quality of life forcing many to choose between eating and heating.

"It can also keep an older person trapped in their homes leading to loneliness and isolation and, in many cases, poor mental and physical health.

“Some people miss out on benefits because they mistakenly believe they don’t qualify or are put off by the claims process.

“However, older people might be surprised to learn what help is available to them.

"I would urge any older person in Wales to claim all their benefit entitlements and to use our guide as a useful tool to start the process.”

More Money In Your Pocket is available free of charge from Age Cymru and local partners throughout Wales.

Those interested may call the advice line free on 08000 223 444 or email advice@agecymru.org.uk to order a copy.

The guide can also be downloaded free of charge from the charity's website: