Age UK responds to DWP poverty figures out today
Published on 01 July 2014 11:00 AM
Age UK responds to DWP poverty figures out today
Caroline Abrahams, Charity Director at Age UK, said:
'Unfortunately, today's figures show the progress made in recent years in tackling pensioner poverty has stalled. Around 1.6 million older people are still living in poverty, nearly a million of whom are living in severe poverty - often struggling to afford everyday basics such as food and household bills.
'Help is available - Pension Credit does a vital job in protecting pensioners on very low incomes - but too many older people are missing out. That's why we need a renewed effort from the Government to ensure every older person entitled to this extra financial support actually receives it - at present a massive 1 in 3 don't, condemning legions of older people to real hardship.
'Local Age UKs can help by offering a benefits check and help with filling in claim forms, so call Age UK Advice free on 0800 169 6565 for details of your local Age UK or use our online search. People can also use Age UK's online benefits calculator at www.ageuk.org.uk/calculators.'
Read the DWP figures
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