Partner Article

Older people risk health over winter bills

Age Concern in the North East is urging older people in the region to claim help with heating and benefits, such as Pension Credit, available to help them to stay warm and well.

Cold-related illnesses contribute to the deaths of thousands of older people each year in the winter months. Age Concern have said that many older people worry about affording high fuel bills, yet by not heating their home adequately they could be putting their health at risk.

The charity is warning that millions of pensioners are missing out on benefits which could help to make it easier to meet their bills, because they find the system difficult to understand, are embarrassed about claiming or simply don’t realise they’re entitled to the extra cash. Many older people are also unaware that they may be able to claim help with energy efficiency, insulation and heating improvements.

As part of its year-long Your Rights benefits campaign, Age Concern in the North East is urging people to get in touch to find out what they could claim.

Dave Punshon, Regional Chair for Age Concern in the North East said: “With high fuel costs it is understandable that many pensioners worry about paying expensive bills. Yet millions of older people are missing out on benefits or help with heating costs that could make meeting their bills easier.

“We would urge any older person who is finding heating costs are putting a strain on their finances to contact us on 0800 00 99 66 to find out what they could be missing out on.”

Age Concern is also calling on the Government to provide more money for vulnerable older people. The charity wants to see the annual Winter Fuel Payment increased by £100, the Basic State Pension raised to at least £119 per week, and automatic benefits payments introduced, so all pensioners can afford to heat their homes.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .