Make sure you claim benefits

ALMOST £1million in old age and disability related benefits has been successfully claimed in Kenton alone in the last three years thanks primarily to our Welfare Rights project based at Kenton Centre.

Although 345 more older people have gained, it is estimated that thousands more across the city could be entitled to Pension Credit and related benefits like Attendance Allowance. Let’s not forget that people in retirement have paid income tax, VAT, duty and national insurance for the best part of their adult lives. They are legally and morally entitled to a return on that.

Even the Government’s DWP department notes that nationally 1m poorer pensioners aren’t claiming what they’re owed. According to the Newcastle-based Elders Council, the state is holding more than £3.5 billion because 36 per cent of older people

aren’t claiming the pension credit they’re entitled too.

Many could be missing out on £2,500 a year. The financial company ‘Just Group’ believes that the figure could be £3,431 per annum.

Along with our colleagues in nearby wards we know lots of older people are not claiming the money to which they are owed. That’s why Kenton Ward is to fund the Advice Project for another year to help address this issue.

Another entitlement which isn’t being claimed is the ‘severe mental impairment discount’ on council tax.

Residents with dementia are entitled to this discount and it can be backdated to when the condition was first diagnosed.

For more info and assistance contact our Rights project on 277 2627 or visit Kenton Centre every Thursday.

COUN ANYA DURRANT, Coun Stephen Lambert and Coun Ged Bell, Kenton Ward, Newcastle City Council