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Pensioner poverty is a crisis hiding in plain sight.

You can help us tackle it.

Will you help us?

As the cost of living keeps on rising, more and more vulnerable older people are struggling to make ends meet.

1.9 million older people are living in poverty

There are 300,000 extra pensioners living in poverty compared to 2012

Older people are missing out on £3 billion in welfare benefits they’re entitled to

It's a terrible thought - struggling through your later years without enough money to afford basics like decent food and heating.

Riding the bus, or spending hours in libraries and cafes, just to keep warm.

But it’s happening right now. And the impact is devastating.

Age UK sees this crisis. We won’t accept it.

And with your help this winter, we can change how we age by helping to tackle it.  

We won’t let older people struggle through winter alone

Every day, our benefits experts uncover life-changing welfare benefits older people are entitled to, while local Age UKs provide comfort, warmth and security through services such as food deliveries and handyperson schemes. 

A lifeline for Margaret

Margaret, 73, considers herself a resilient person, and has spent her life working, raising a family, and keeping costs low. So when she started struggling to make ends meet, it was a shock – and gave her panic attacks. “That was actually the worst time of my life,” she says.

A call with an Age UK adviser helped Margaret to change things. Now, since being supported to claim Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, she feels better financially and emotionally.

“The adviser was brilliant – I've got no worries now. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Age UK.”

Peace of mind for Lesley

Living with osteoarthritis, it's essential that Lesley stays warm for her physical health. But last year, she was so worried about paying her energy bills that she suffered the cold. “I was frightened to put my heating on,” she says.

Now, Lesley no longer has to worry. Our expert advisers helped Lesley apply for Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit, giving her some extra money in her pocket and peace of mind this winter.

“I wouldn't have thought about Attendance Allowance – I didn't know anything about it. Age UK really has altered my life.”

Are you entitled to extra money?

Do you know what benefits you're entitled to? Our online benefits calculator can help you quickly and easily find out what you could be claiming.

Get a free benefits check

Will you help us?

It will take all of us, working together and speaking out, to change the way older people are treated in the UK - today and in the future. 

Donate now

Your donation could bring comfort, warmth and security to an older person living in poverty.

 

Age UK campaigns

Campaign

By standing together, we can make the UK a better place to grow older – one where every older person is supported, included and valued.

Volunteer

Our incredible volunteers are change-makers, keeping our services running night and day. Could you be one of them?

Let’s solve the crisis people don't see. Let's change how we age. 

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