Around 4,000 older people are benefiting from free information and services from local charity Age UK B&NES every year, including advice on benefits, care, housing, finance and much more.
Age UK B&NES chief executive, Janet Dabbs, said: “According to a recent report from the Department of Work and Pensions, around 1.7 million older people entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming it, and 2.2 million people entitled to Council Tax credit are not taking up the benefit.
“These are just some of the benefits that older people are entitled as there are a range of other benefits that older people may be entitled to as well.
“Also significant changes were made to the state pension that came in on April 6, and many older people may be unaware of how they will impact them.
“Our Information and Advice service can help by carrying out a benefit checks to find out an individual’s entitlement to benefits and can also advise and give information about the new state pension.”
The Information and Advice service can be accessed either by appointment, drop-in sessions or by phone:
18 Kingsmead Square, Bath:
The charity’s main office is open between 9.30am and 3.30pm from Monday – Friday for appointments, drop-in and telephone enquiries.
One Stop Shop, 3-4 Manvers Street, Bath:
Drop-in advice session every Tuesday from 9.30am – 1pm.
Midsomer Norton – Methodist Homes for the Aged, Church Court:
Drop-in session every second Monday of the month, 9.30am – 11am.
Radstock Methodist Church:
Drop-in session first Thursday of the month, 9.30am – 11am.
Keynsham One Stop Shop (ground floor of the Library Building):
Drop-in session every Wednesday, 9.30am – 1pm.
Telephone enquiries should be directed to 01225 466135.
If you are house-bound, the charity can make arrangements for an advice worker to visit you at home.
Call 01225 466135 to book an appointment.
Fact sheets on a range of issues including information for carers, care services, care and repair, consumer issues, debts, housing, legal services and more can be found on the website: www.ageukbanes.co.uk.
For urgent advice contact Age UK’s National Advice Helpline: 0900 00 99 66.
