Retired are losing out

PENSIONERS are missing out on billions of pounds worth of vital state support and income top- ups that could make their lives much easier.

Retired people fail to claim £ 3.5billion in pension credit and housing benefit every year, according to the Department for Work and Pensions. Attendance allowance, which pays up to £ 82.30 a week to over- 65s who are physically or mentally disabled, and council tax reduction also regularly go unclaimed.

Specialist retirement housebuilder McCarthy & Stone is calling for the benefits system to be made simpler and easier for older people to use. Its senior benefits adviser Colin Cuthbert said it has helped customers claim millions that was due to them and still the number of claims is growing. “Those in later life are missing out on billions, which could help keep them secure,” he said.

Cuthbert said Government plans to put councils in England in charge of attendance allowance payments will make claiming even harder.

Figures from specialist advisers Just Retirement found that around two thirds of pensioner homeowners are missing out on entitlements.

Director Stephen Lowe said: “The average amount lost was £ 707 a year but the worst case was missing out on £ 2,746. That is nearly £ 53 a week.”

All owned their home and wrongly assumed this disqualified them. “They are entitled to this cash, which makes a huge difference,” he added.

Check eligibility via Citizens Advice, log on to Gov. uk, or use the free benefits calculator at charity website Turn2Us. org. uk.