ACROSS Wales, thousands of people are believed to be missing out on Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support and other benefits that they could be entitled to claim.
Bridgend County Borough Council is advising residents that a simple check with Advicelink Cymru could help clarify if they are entitled to claim help and support that they may not realise is available.
Provided by Citizens’ Advice and funded by Welsh Government, Advicelink Cymru offers free and confidential advice on subjects ranging from welfare benefits, debt and employment to education, housing, immigration and discrimination.
Trained advisors are available to talk about your circumstances, find what benefits you may be entitled to, support you throughout the claims process and help you to fill in any forms. They can also advise on what evidence may need to be provided.
Councillor Jane Gebbie, Cabinet Member for Social Services and Health, said: “It is an unfortunate fact that we are likely to be feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis for some time, so it is more important than ever for local people to be able to access all available help and support.
“Evidence gathered by the Trussell Trust indicates that more older people are using foodbanks now than ever before, and that there has been a 62 per cent increase recorded for the period between April – July 2022 when compared to the previous year.
“Even before the cost of living crisis, Carers UK Cymru noted that 63 per cent of carers were spending their own money on essential care products or on accessing care and support services.
“Furthermore, information provided by the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales has noted that despite being eligible to do so, an estimated 70,000 households across Wales are not claiming Pension Credit worth an average of £58 a week.
“I strongly urge residents to contact the Advicelink Cymru service, and to check on whether they could be missing out on money and support that could be making a huge difference to their everyday lives.”
You can contact Advicelink Cymru by using their free helpline – 0808 250 5700 – between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, or visiting the Advice Link Cymru page at www.citizensadvice.org.uk .
