Independent Age says it could take up to four hours with the help of a trained adviser to make a new claim for Pension Credit and more
New research from Independent Age reveals that an elderly person applying for financial aid through four main benefit entitlements could be required to answer up to 450 questions as part of a lengthy and complicated application process. The charity estimates that it could take up to four hours with the assistance of a trained adviser to submit a new claim for Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction.
The time taken could be even longer if an individual attempts the process without professional help, warns Independent Age. In its latest report, Jumping Through Hoops, the charity explored the experiences of older people navigating the UK’s social security system.
Through comprehensive interviews with low-income elderly individuals, they found that a highly complex system is hindering many pensioners from receiving all the money they are entitled to in their later years.
Independent Age discovered that the multitude of available benefit entitlements can cause confusion. Each requires its own form, which can be time-consuming to fill out.
The study revealed that certain groups find the application process more challenging, including those without internet access, those suffering from mental or physical health conditions, and those with low literacy levels. The interviews also exposed that many elderly people experience a sense of stigma and embarrassment when seeking financial assistance, and the lengthy, complicated application process could deter many from seeking support, reports the Daily Record.
Support systems for older adults, such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, are experiencing a startlingly low rate of uptake. Recent figures indicate that only 65 percent of those eligible for Pension Credit have claimed it.
This leaves an estimated 760,000 low-income households, or 970,000 individuals without the financial support they qualify for, which amounts to up to £4,200 annually. Consequently, there’s a staggering £1.5 billion in Pension Credit that remains unclaimed.
Despite ongoing efforts by previous UK Governments to increase awareness and encourage more claims for Pension Credit, including running information campaigns, the numbers have scarcely improved. Similarly, with the uptake of Housing Benefit at just 83 percent, around 270,000 senior households are not claiming what they’re due, leading to £1.1 billion that goes unclaimed.
Senior advocacy charity Independent Age is urging the UK Government to implement a concerted strategy to improve take-up rates for all entitlements, aiming to dissolve the complexities and hurdles that many older people face when dealing with the social security system.
In their response to these disheartening statistics, Independent Age’s Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE remarked: “It is clear that the UK has a social security system that is far too complex and difficult to navigate, and while there are numerous entitlements available, many people in later life are often unable to access potentially life-changing support as a result. Something has to change.”
Elson stresses the urgency for action, pointing out: “There are currently around two million older people living in poverty, and a further one million are precariously on the edge. The UK Government and local authorities must work together to drive take-up for benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.”
She asserted: “There needs to be an entitlement take up strategy that tears down the barriers that make it so difficult to understand the system, and in some cases, inaccessible for many people in later life.
“The strategy should include plans to simplify and streamline the application process, people shouldn’t have to spend hours answering hundreds of questions. The DWP should also investigate the feasibility of automating or semi-automating certain entitlements, as this could help get money into the pockets of those who need it.”
Kelly Conlan, Advice and Support Manager at Independent Age, remarked: “Our helpline regularly receives calls from worried older people who know there is financial support out there but are daunted by the challenge of applying because of the sheer scale and complexity of the process. Older people across the country are sitting in cold homes and only eating one meal a day. It shouldn’t be so difficult to apply for support that could make a huge difference to their quality of life.
“It is important for older people to know that while the system is complex, there is help available. Our trained advisers run free welfare benefit checks and support people to fill out the application forms.”
Older individuals concerned about their finances can contact Independent Age on 0800 319 6789. Alternatively visit the support options on its website here.