Benefits boost

Over £2.5m in extra money was placed in the pockets of older people in Sheffield in 2016, thanks to Age UK Sheffield advice workers.

The haul represents a huge boost to the city economy, and represents the charity’s work to help over-50s to access benefit entitlements that they were not previously claiming.

Over 550 older people in Sheffield gained from increased benefits in 2016 thanks to Age UK Sheffield, securing an average of £4,607.15 per person. In almost all cases, these would have included ongoing benefits such as Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit or Carer’s Allowance.

The largest single beneficiary received £26,306.21, including backdated payments, following support from Age UK Sheffield.

Age UK Sheffield Chief Executive, Steve Chu, said: “Some parents and grandparents in Sheffield are living in severe poverty, and this is reflected in the amounts they are entitled to claim. They often struggle to afford their weekly shopping or to heat their home before receiving support from our advice workers.

“On average, it costs us £13.58 to deal with an enquiry to our Information and Advice Centre, and around £30 to support an older person through this process.”

Age UK Sheffield’s Information and Advice service is supported by Westfield Health, but relies on additional donations to cover its costs. Anyone interested in supporting our vital work to lift pensioners out of poverty can:

• Call (0114) 250 2850
• Click here to visit our Virgin Money Giving page