Curo Benefits Advisor Tania Reason explains the support that older customers may be missing out on and how we can help.
As a Benefits Advisor at Curo, I love that I can help to increase our customers’ incomes. Sometimes people come to us and they’re really struggling. But I can support them to access the benefits they’re entitled to, so that they don’t have to worry anymore.
I can help people over the phone or we can make an appointment to see them in person. Lots of older people prefer to meet up so that we can go through their paperwork together. I’ll find out what they’re entitled to and support them to apply.
I’d say 8 out of 10 people who come to us aren’t claiming the benefits they’re entitled to, simply because they don’t know what’s available.
Tania Reason pictured above
The most common benefits older people miss out on are Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, which helps with extra costs if you have a disability. People claiming Attendance Allowance can get up to £92.40 a week to help with personal support.
Pension Credit acts as a gateway benefit. So, if you get Pension Credit, you could be eligible for full Housing Benefit and may not have to pay Council Tax. Pension-aged people who are entitled to Pension Credit and a disability payment – for example Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance - could get up to £1,350 in Cost of Living Payments this year.
I can also look into whether customers can get the Warm Home Discount. And a lot of people don’t know about the Cold Weather Payments - you could get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 April.
Another myth is that you can’t claim benefits if you’re working, but if you’re on a low income, you could be entitled to Universal Credit. The threshold for Universal Credit is increasing, so even if you weren’t eligible last year, you may be eligible this year. If you get Universal Credit, you can get the £900 Cost of Living Payment. Universal Credit also gives you access to things like cheaper broadband. So it’s worth claiming Universal Credit even if you only get 1p – just get in touch with us on the contact details below and we can do a quick check.
Older people can be proud about their finances and we understand that it’s a really personal topic. But our service is completely confidential. If you’re worried about money, we’re here to help, without judgement. I always tell older people that they’ve worked hard all their lives, they should claim what they’re entitled to. Please don’t be afraid to get in touch. Call the Money Advice service on 01225 366000, or email: customeraccountshelp@curo-group.co.uk