Uptake - News about Entitlements for Older People

“This is the news update service for the Leicestershire (Local Area Agreement) project aimed at increasing benefits uptake by older people. We are all increasingly aware that this is a very important area and that unless older people receive their full entitlements they are more at risk of poor health and losing their independence. My vision and the vision of Leicestershire County Council Adult Social Care Service is to promote independence and well-being.

It is intended for everyone involved in benefits work with older people in the county as well as all partners in this project. The aim is to promote the goals of the project and spread news that will increase uptake.”
- Councillor David Sprason -

Talk Money (Benefits Advice) Sessions for the over 60's

Benefits advice is available throughout the county. In association with local voluntary agencies and the 7 District Councils within Leicestershire, a number of additional Benefit Drop in Sessions for the over 60’s are being held.  There is no need to book, just turn up to find out what benefits you may be missing out on. You will be able to discuss a whole range of benefits including Council Tax, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.

John Storer House, Loughborough - First Thursday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am

Neighbourhood Watch Stall, Market Place, Market Harborough - First Tuesday of each month, 9am to 1pm

A Customer Liaison Manager (CLM) visited a 92-year-old gentleman who had recently been widowed. His health had deteriorated rapidly following the bereavement. The CLM established entitlement to Attendance Allowance and if awarded also the Severe Disability Extra Amount on his Pension Credit. Initially, the gentleman was reluctant to apply, as he was very proud and afraid that he would be put into a home. With some gentle reassurance, the CLM persuaded the gentleman and filled out the forms for him. As a result, he has been awarded Attendance Allowance of £64.50 per week and the Severe Disability Extra Amount on his Pension Credit of £48.45 per week. The gentleman said he could now afford to pay for taxis to the cemetery to visit his wife's grave.

A customer was visited as part of the scan process. She was not entitled to Pension Credit, however the CLM saw that she was disabled and struggling with her walking. The customer did not know about AA. She had help from friends and neighbours and was trying to pay them for their help from her State Pension. An AA application was completed at the visit, which resulted in an award at the Higher Rate. The CLM later returned to complete a Pension Credit application, which was also successful. The customer was awarded Guarantee Credit of £3.82 per week, savings credit of £17.88 per week and arrears of £303.80. In addition she was awarded full Council Tax Benefit. The customer was overcome and thanked the CLM profusely for her help and said what a difference it would make to her life.

A CLM visited a lady who had moved in with her brother, as she could no longer care for herself. The only income she had was State Pension of £97.78 per week. Her brother could not afford to keep her and was sad about having to consider putting her in a home. The CLM established entitlement to Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit for the lady and completed the forms. The lady has since been awarded Attendance Allowance of £43.15 per week and Pension Credit of £26.15 per week enabling her to remain living with her brother. They were very happy that they could stay together.

There is currently a project taking place within the Welfare Rights Benefits Maximisation Team of Leicestershire Adult Social Care Services to work with self-funded people in or entering permanent residential/nursing care. As before, the existing Residential Care Advisers will be giving specialist advice in more complex cases e.g. deferred payments.

There are two part-time Residential Care Advisers, whose role it will be to maximise benefits for this group. Claims for Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance (including re-instatements on discharge from hospital and supersessions to increase the level of the award), and possibly claims for Pension Credit can be made.

One Adviser is based at Bassett Street and is working with residents in Harborough, Oadby & Wigston, Blaby and Hinckle, the other adviser is based at the Coalville Business Centre and is responsible for residents in Loughborough, Melton and Coalville.

We are in the process of contacting homes around the County with information to distribute to self-funders. If you are aware of residents in your home who are in these circumstances and would benefit from having a benefit check or from assistance with claims then please get in touch or ask the person dealing with the resident's financial affairs to get in touch:

Residential Care Adviser (Bassett Street  Local Office) 0116 278 7111(Thursday/Friday)

Residential Care Adviser (Coalville) 01530 516 961 (Wednesday/Thursday/Friday)

Melton Borough Council, in partnership with the Pension Service, conducted a ‘scan’ of their region trying to find more older people not claiming what they should. The results below show what a major difference new awards can make to an individual’s annual income.