Extra financial help for pensioners

MissOops found the CAB very helpful last week with her ongoing problem with the benefits office.

So, well done you, it really is a minefield and it’s great that there are people who know a way through it, before the person gets accused of fraud by the various departments.

PS not that she’s been accused of fraud, but it was pointed out that if you try to argue against a finding, they might fight back and accuse you.

for your kindness and dedication Cabbie21. The CAB have been of great help to my DD too so many thanks to you and all your CAB colleagues.

Our local CAB is also marvellous. When my DH (with Dementia) applied for attendance allowance, he was denied even the lower rate. When Willie from CAB helped to claim again DH got the higher rate. The same Willie suggested to my friend (who was unable to claim Carers Allowance because she was in receipt of State Pension) that her slightly mentally handicapped adult son, who lived at home and did all the heavy lifting, etc. for his Dad, should apply for CA in his name. This was successful and not only gave a boot to the families finances but did wonders for the son's self esteem. He was so proud to be able to say when asked 'What do you do?' - "I am a full time Carer for my disabled Dad".

Well done Cabbie21 good post.
I had a conversation only on Friday with a friend she was talking about her MiL coping with extra payments etc . She only has the basic pension, she is in her mid 80's , I asked her about is she claiming Attendance Allowance they had never heard of it.
She is now going to investigate it, and see if she is entitled to anything else as well.

Thanks for the lovely feedback.

Apparently Pension Credit is the least claimed benefit, which many more are entitled to.

Well done Cabbie and all your colleagues.

Well done, a huge success! Sadly, more people focus on the cases of benefit fraud rather than on the many cases as detailed above.

Yes, I want to add my "well done" to the other posters.

I wonder if there is a way to change the attitude of so many older people who feel that claiming what they are entitled to is somehow accepting charity when it is quite the opposite.

Maybe the high bills for energy and food will encourage people to claim.
I also discovered that our CAB has so many “partnerships “ that together we are able to support lots of people more than ever before, eg homeless as together there is new funding available. There is so much help out there.