Many pensioners not accessing benefit entitlements

BALLYMONEY DUP Councillor John Finlay has warned that confusion about the workings of the pension credit scheme is leaving many older people living in poverty and having a damaging knock-on effect to the local economy.

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd May 2011, 12:04 BST

Cllr Finlay said in a statement this week: “Age NI and Age Sector Platform are confirming what I as a representative have experienced throughout Ballymoney Borough council area that many pensioners entitled to their pension credit are losing out through confusion regarding their entitlements.

“There must be a more effective awareness up to and including consideration of automatic entitlement of pension credit for older people.

“Elderly people losing out on benefits like pension credit, not only keeps people in poverty but has a damaging knock on effect for the local economy.

“It is important that people are aware of their pension credit entitlement and I will be happy to help any older people experiencing difficulties or confusion.”