Top marks for city's advice service
Published on 11 July 2017 11:00 PM
Older people in Sheffield are more confident, less stressed, and better off, after using a city information service, according to a recent survey.
The Age UK Sheffield information and advice service, which supports thousands of over-50s in the city every year, got top billing from everyone who responded to a survey on its benefits check service.
All survey respondents reported that their benefits claim was successful, with over 90% stating that they did not know how to claim those benefits before using the Age UK Sheffield service.
Two-thirds said they were “more confident and less stressed”, with half of respondents saying they used the money for buying food or keeping their home adequately warm.
Age UK Sheffield Chief Executive, Steve Chu, said: “Each year we help older people in Sheffield to claim £2.5m in benefits that they were entitled to but not previously claiming. So it is heartening to know how highly our service is valued.
“More worrying, however, is that most people didn’t know how to claim these benefits, and that many need to use the extra income just to put food on the table or heat their homes. I urge any Sheffielder who is over 50 and living in these circumstances, to call us on (0114) 250 2850.”
The survey was carried out among customers who had received a free benefits advice session, supported by E.ON. The Age UK Sheffield information and advice service is supported locally by Westfield Health.