UK. Ministers ‘sit on £7bn unclaimed benefits’ as pensioners suffer
More than one million pensioners are living in poverty while the Government hoards billions of pounds worth of benefits. Around £7billion of Pension Credits have gone unclaimed since 2017, meaning that some of the most vulnerable older people are missing out on around £49 a week.
Experts predict the overall figure will rise to £17billion by 2022 – and from June 2020, over-75s will also find themselves without a free TV licence after the BBC’s decision to offer the concession only to those claiming the benefit. Charities and campaigners are now demanding that ministers publicise the pot of money and commit to targets to increase the number of people claiming Pension Credit. A recent survey revealed that three in four MPs also believe it is the Government’s responsibility to ensure all older people who are entitled to Pension Credit receive it. Launching its Credit Where It’s Due campaign today, Independent Age revealed that if 75 percent of those eligible signed up for the benefit by 2020, more than half a million would be lifted out of poverty.
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