Information on Loughborough

Pensioners Benefits Roadshow

Posted on 18/10/2007
P. Klein

pensionerThe findings of many studies have shown that the benefits that pensioners take up are quite low. For example only 50% of those who are entitled to council tax benefit actually claim it. There are numerous reasons for this ranging from the difficulties in understanding and navigating ones way through the benefit system which can appear daunting at the outset. Many older people also have the perception that asking for help is a sign of weakness and loss of independence which of course is wrong. Most have contributed throughout their working lives and are justly entitled to receive assistance.

Surveys have also shown that older people have concerns relating to poor levels of literacy, poor health, caring responsibilities, communication difficulties and a lack of transport.

In order to reach as many people as possible and highlight the help that is available to them the Older Persons Benefits section of Leicestershire County Council has organised a benefits advice session which will be held at Gorse Covert Community Centre in Loughborough this coming Tuesday (23rd October 2007). It is not necessary to pre book as it is a drop in session between 10 am and 2 pm. Information on council tax and housing benefit along with Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance will be available for the over 60s.

If you think you could benefit from the assistance they can offer feel free to drop in. Also if you know of a pensioner, be they a friend or family, who might not be aware of what they can claim why not suggest that they visit Gorse Covert Community Centre in Loughborough on Tuesday.