Over 1500 people in Newry and Mourne access £8 million in unclaimed benefits | Newry News
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has acknowledged his Department’s Make the Call service which last year supported over 1500 people in the Newry Mourne and Down council area in accessing £8 million in unclaimed benefits.
The overall figures for 2023/24 show that people who ‘Made the Call’ became £99.36 better off per week on average with over 12,000 accessing over £62 million in unclaimed benefits across Northern Ireland.
Additional benefit uptake by pensioners made up a third of that figure with £21.3 million in additional Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance claimed.
The ‘Make the Call’ service supports people in accessing benefits, services and supports to which they are entitled but have not been claiming.
A total of 1524 people in the Newry Mourne and Down council area claimed £8,064,581.09 last year.
Since 2005 the service has generated almost £471 million in unclaimed benefits.
Minister Lyons says, “At a time when cost-of-living issues continue to affect some of the most vulnerable people in our society, I am delighted to announce over £62 million worth of additional financial support for those who have ‘made the call’ and who are now, on average, almost £100 a week better off.
“I am particularly pleased to see additional benefits of over £6.5 million in Pension Credit and £14.7 million in Attendance Allowance to those of pension age.
“Pension Credit, in particular, can provide access to a range of other supports and benefits which can be a lifeline for our older generations.
“I would encourage anyone who thinks they may have a benefit entitlement to avail of this free and confidential service. I want to ensure that all available support and entitlements go directly to those who most need them.”
Since 2005, almost £471 million in additional annual benefits has been generated for people across Northern Ireland, many of whom are vulnerable through age, disability, illness, or adverse circumstances.
The Make the Call Wraparound Service works in conjunction with a range of partner organisations such as the Housing Executive, Housing Rights, Dementia NI and Carers NI.
As well as supporting people in accessing benefits, the Make the Call service can direct people to additional supports including blue badges for car parking or free bus passes; access to local groups to help maintain community connections and social independence; help with health costs; home safety checks; and assistance with reducing energy costs.
To ‘Make the Call’ you can phone 0800 232 1271;
text ADVICE to 079 8440 5248
Visit nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall or email makethecall@dfcni.gov.uk
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Posted by NewryTimes News
on Nov 21 2024. Filed under Community.
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