Stunell Backs New Helpline for Pensioners' Benefits

4.04.27pm GMT Mon 10th Mar 2008

Pension Credits and other benefits for the elderly are to become easier to claim, the Department for Work and Pensions announced this week.

From October elderly people will be able to claim four separate benefits with just one call to the Pension Service, if plans now before Parliament are approved.

Now local MP Andrew Stunell is encouraging older people to use the service, and asking carers and friends of the elderly to claim not just their State Pension, but also Pension Credits, Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit where they are eligible.

"At the moment it is really confusing, and you really need an 'A level' in form-filling to get what is yours by rights. This move will be an important step towards solving the complex and confusing system for claiming the money that elderly people are entitled to" said Mr Stunell.

"These benefits are there to be claimed, and shouldn't be blocked by government bureaucracy. The new scheme means people will be able to claim all of their benefits with one phone call. This makes the system fairer, giving elderly people the money that is rightfully theirs with minimal fuss.

"I'm urging all those that might be eligible to take advantage of this new system the moment it starts. It will help many that are struggling unfairly".

The plan is subject to the approval of Parliament but is due to come into force in October 2008. The Department for work and Pensions is working with Age Concern, Help the Aged and the Citizen's Advice Bureau to promote the scheme.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Pension Credit is claimed by approximately 81% of those that are entitled to it.

2. On 5th December 2007, the Department for Work and Pensions announced plans, subject to Parliamentary approval, to make the systems for claiming more simple and less intrusive.

3. The changes, effective from October if approved, are designed to help thousands of pensioners with living costs.

4. As part of the package, the DWP also propose to change the timescale for the back-dating of claims for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit for pensioners, from twelve months to three months so that they will be aligned with working age benefits.

5. A communications campaign is being launched with the DWP in conjunction with Help the Aged, Age Concern and the Citizen's Advice Bureau to encourage uptake. These include working with the Scottish Parliament on pilot schemes to increase uptake and distributing four hundred thousand leaflets, as well as advertising on radio, in GP's offices, libraries and Post Offices in Birmingham.

6. Pensioners are encouraged to call the The Pension Service: 0800 99 1234. (Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm) or on 0800 169 0133 if they have speech or hearing difficulties. They can also visit the website at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk.

7. The Pension Service also has an online calculator for eligibility: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/pensioncredit/calculator/.