Worried about heating costs after the cold snap? Age UK Norfolk can help

The recent cold snap has hit many people hard, with households turning up their heating to stay warm and now facing concerns about rising energy bills.

Across the UK, an estimated 1.9 million older people are living in poverty, while around £3 billion in benefits that older people are entitled to goes unclaimed each year. This is often not because people are ineligible, but because many older people simply do not realise that they qualify for financial support.

Age UK Norfolk is encouraging older people who are worried about heating costs or household finances to get in touch for a free benefits check and advice on available support. A benefits check can help ensure people are receiving everything they are entitled to and may help ease the financial pressure caused by increased energy use during cold weather.

Age UK Norfolk can help with, free, confidential benefits checks, support to understand benefit entitlements, help completing benefit and grant application forms and advice on hardship support and available grants.

Benefits checks can be carried out over the phone, or using paper forms that people can request by post or download. For those who prefer face-to-face support, Age UK Norfolk also offers advice through local outreach sessions.

“Many older people are worried about the cost of keeping warm, especially after recent cold weather,” said Emma Harkness, head of information and advice for Age UK Norfolk. “A benefits check could put extra money in your pocket and help ease some of that worry. Support is available, and you don’t have to manage this alone.”