PENSIONERS struggling to make ends meet are missing out on millions of pounds of unclaimed benefits. Hard up senior citizens in Lancaster and Morecambe are failing to collect extra payments which could make them better off. Nationally, more than £1 billion in payments for income support and housing and council tax benefits is going unclaimed.

But Help the Aged is now encouraging local pensioners to collect the cash they are entitled to.

Information officer Moya Alcock explained how income support is the key.

She said: "Even if you claim just 50p a week in income support you will get all your council tax paid and you are also entitled to free dental treatment and eye tests, cold weather payments and a home energy efficiency scheme grant. For many pensioners this support will mean they can afford basic necessities rather then living in poverty and doing without."

One local pensioner, aged 76, was extremely worried about how she was going to pay her household bills, and contacted Help the Aged for assistance. With a full basic pension, £2,500 in savings and a personal care allowance she did not expect to get any further help.

But Help the Aged explained how she was also entitled to income support and would be exempt form paying council tax.

The pensioner said: "I'm now about £56 a week better off. I also get cold weather payments, free eye tests and dental treatment. It's made a huge difference and I'm not so worried about my bills. I wish that I'd found out earlier."

To help pensioners claim the extra benefits Help the Aged has published a booklet called "Can You Claim It?" which is available from all Help the Aged shops.

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