Rotherham OAPs 'missing out on £4m benefits'

HARD-UP pensioners are losing out to the tune of £4 million in unclaimed benefits, according to Rotherham MP Denis MacShane.

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The shocking figure was revealed as Rotherham Dr MacShane this week kicked off a new “Ten Ways to Help Old People” campaign with tenants from the White Rose House sheltered housing scheme.

Dr MacShane has produced a leaflet to ensure older people in his constituency are aware of the benefits and free services to which they are entitled.

He said: “Many of the older people I meet simply do not know of the benefits to which they are entitled and local advice workers tell me that millions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed each year.

“I hope this leaflet will help raise awareness of some of the benefits available and most importantly where, in Rotherham, people can go for help, advice and if needed, support where form filling is required!

“Not claiming benefits is a real loss to the individual but it’s also a loss to the Rotherham economy.”

He said that for example, in 2008/9, Rotherham Borough Council’s welfare benefits team helped local people to claim over £3.5 million.

“That’s a huge amount of money so I really would urge older people and their friends and family to look through this leaflet and take professional advice if there are any benefits to which they think they may be entitled,” said Dr MacShane.

Dr MacShane will be distributing the leaflet in his constituency, but anyone who would like a copy can contact him at [email protected] or by calling his constituency office on 01709 837577.