Over £1.5 Million Per Year in Pensioners’ Pockets, Thanks to Award Winning Advice Service

A longstanding advice service has received two awards for providing high quality advice to Bolton residents. 

Age UK Bolton has received both the Quality of Advice Standard (QAS) and the Age UK Advice Quality Standard (AQS) awards.  

Last year alone, Age UK Bolton's Information and Advice team secured £1,642,862.85 in benefits and entitlements for older people, putting money directly into the pockets of Bolton residents. 

Chiara Knott, Information and Advice Service Manager at Age UK Bolton, said: "Both of these quality marks mean a lot to us as advice professionals because they show our commitment to providing quality advice, which is what  the team and I try to do every day for our older residents." 

She added: "The awards reflect the hard work we've put in as a team to make sure that older people in Bolton are treated with care when it comes to money worries. People often come to us in despair because they don't know where to start when it comes to benefits like Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit. We don't just help them claim these benefits, we put their mind at ease."  

The Information and Advice team at Age UK Bolton works to ensure older people in Bolton are receiving the income they are entitled to, including benefits like Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, by helping them navigate a complex benefits system. 

In the UK, around one in six pensioners live in poverty, with these numbers set to pass the two million mark within the next few years, according to research by Age UK.  

This money is a huge boost to older people across Bolton living in financial hardship, who often rely on State Pension as their only source of income whilst facing increases in energy, food and rent costs. 

The Quality of Advice Standard (QAS) is awarded to organisations that deliver a quality assured advice service. Age UK Bolton and its partners Citizens Advice Bolton and Bur and Bolton at Home currently hold the award. 

Age UK Bolton also holds the Age UK Advice Quality Standard (AQS), which is awarded to local Age UK Partners which provide consistent, relevant and effective advice. 

Age UK Bolton's Information and Advice service provides information, advice and assistance on a wide range of issues affecting older people. To speak to the team, please call 01204 382411. Phone lines are open 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday). 

Age UK Bolton is a local, independent charity. We rely on the generosity and support of local people and partners to deliver our vital work. Donate today: 

To donate £5, text AGEWELL to 70085. 

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