A charity has warned of the lengthy and complex process for support (Image: Getty Images)
Independent Age has unveiled research indicating that elderly people applying for financial support through four key benefit entitlements could be faced with answering up to 450 questions in a complex and lengthy application process. The charity estimates that submitting a new claim for Pension Credit, , Housing Benefit or Council Tax Reduction could take up to four hours with the help of a trained adviser.
Independent Age warns that the process could take even longer without professional assistance. In its latest report, Jumping Through Hoops, the charity delves into the experiences of older people navigating the UK’s social security system.
Comprehensive interviews with low-income elderly individuals revealed that many pensioners are being hindered from receiving their full entitlements due to the highly complex system. Independent Age found that the plethora of available benefit entitlements can lead to confusion, as each requires its own form, which can be time-consuming to complete, reports .
The research highlighted that certain groups find the application process more daunting, including those without internet access, individuals with mental or physical health conditions, and those with low literacy levels. It was also revealed through interviews that many elderly people feel a sense of shame and embarrassment when seeking financial aid, and the lengthy, complex application process could discourage many from pursuing support.
Support mechanisms for older adults, such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit, are witnessing alarmingly low uptake rates. Recent statistics show that only 65 percent of those eligible for Pension Credit have claimed it, leaving an estimated 760,000 low-income households, or 970,000 individuals without the financial assistance they are entitled to, which equates to up to £4,200 annually.
As a result, there’s a staggering £1.5 billion in Pension Credit that remains unclaimed. Despite continuous efforts by previous UK Governments to raise awareness and encourage more claims for Pension Credit, including launching information campaigns, the figures have barely improved.
Similarly, with the uptake of Housing Benefit standing at just 83 percent, approximately 270,000 senior households are not claiming what they’re due, leading to £1.1 billion that goes unclaimed.
The advocacy group for the elderly, Independent Age, is calling on the UK Government to tackle the intricate and challenging social security system with a dedicated strategy that would enhance the low uptake of benefits. The charity’s Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs: “It is clear that the UK has a social security system that is far too complex and difficult to navigate, and while there are numerous entitlements available, many people in later life are often unable to access potentially life-changing support as a result. Something has to change.”
Elson highlighted the critical need for intervention, indicating: “There are currently around two million older people living in poverty, and a further one million are precariously on the edge. The UK Government and local authorities must work together to drive take-up for benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.”
She firmly stated the necessity for a policy movement: “There needs to be an entitlement take up strategy that tears down the barriers that make it so difficult to understand the system, and in some cases, inaccessible for many people in later life.”
Experts are urging the Department for Work and Pensions () to simplify the process for claiming financial support, as many vulnerable individuals are being deterred by the lengthy application process. Kelly Conlan, Advice and Support Manager at Independent Age, stated: “The strategy should include plans to simplify and streamline the application process, people shouldn’t have to spend hours answering hundreds of questions. The should also investigate the feasibility of automating or semi-automating certain entitlements, as this could help get money into the pockets of those who need it.”
Many older people are struggling to make ends meet, and the current system is a significant obstacle to them accessing the help they require.
Kelly added: “Our helpline regularly receives calls from worried older people who know there is financial support out there but are daunted by the challenge of applying because of the sheer scale and complexity of the process. Older people across the country are sitting in cold homes and only eating one meal a day. It shouldn’t be so difficult to apply for support that could make a huge difference to their quality of life.”
However, there is support available. Trained advisers at Independent Age offer complimentary welfare benefit checks and assistance with completing application forms.
Anyone concerned about their finances can contact Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or explore their