One third of local OAPs could be missing out on extra finance

The DON’T MISS OUT campaign will make it easier and friendlier for older people to claim their full entitlement. They can get advice about extra money they may be entitled to and can get help with filling in application forms.

A spokesperson for SSA said: “The Don’t Miss Out campaign will help older people in Ballymena Borough Council area to apply for all the benefits they are entitled to. There may be many reasons why people do not apply- for example, some people think they cannot apply because they have savings or own their home. This is not always the case! We hope to encourage people to check if they could get more money through the Don’t Miss Out campaign.”

Posters and leaflets will be distributed across places older people regularly frequent such as churches, libraries, community centres and doctors’ surgeries.

A dedicated FREEPHONE telephone number 0800 232 1271 has been set up for a short assessment over the phone. Questions can be answered anonymously to get benefit advice for you, a family member or someone else aged over 60.

Many older people are reluctant to share personal information about their finances and any savings they have. All information is received in confidence by the Agency and is not shared with third parties.