Ministers encourage older people to claim their benefits

BALLYMONEY Library held an information day for local older people last Wednesday to encourage them to claim the benefits they may be missing out on.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Oct 2010, 11:58 BST
Updated 18th Oct 2010, 11:16 BST

Minister for Social Development, Alex Attwood, encourages all older people in Ballymoney Council area to come along. He said: "In the current economic climate it is imperative that vulnerable people in our society claim what is rightfully theirs. It is evident that thousands of older people are missing out on extra money each week and we must do what we can to ensure that they claim what they are entitled to."

"This event has been organised as part of the Social Security Agency's Benefit Uptake Programme which aims to raise awareness of social security benefits. It will offer older people the opportunity to find out if they have been missing out on support they are entitled to."

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Information will be available from representatives from the Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive on financial support for older people. This includes:

* help with the extra costs related to a disability,

* fuel and housing costs,

* getting the right pension and

* additional income to support the care of those with a disability.

LPA is just one of a range of measures available to assist those who need help with paying their rates. I would encourage anyone who is struggling to contact LPS on the 101 number or visit the nidirect website for further information."

The session also offers older people the opportunity to find out more about the services offered by their local Library and government services and information website nidirect.

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nidirect is different from other government websites. You don't have to know how government works to find what you're looking for - and you'll find it all in one place.

From reporting a faulty street light, applying for a disabled parking blue badge, getting help with paying rates or ordering a copy of a birth certificate - it's all available on nidirect.

Users can consult nidirect anonymously to access information and services such as the Benefits Adviser Service, getting an instant estimate of the benefits they might be entitled to.

Taking advantage of the extensive opening hours and free internet access at their local library means that people can use nidirect at a time which suits them, with professional staff on hand to help them access the wide range of information and services.