Menu
03/12/2012
Older People Urged To Inquire Over Benefits
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has urged older people to find out whether or not they are missing out on benefits to which they are entitled.
The 'Make the Call' campaign, which includes television, newspaper and outdoor advertisements, encourages older people to ring the telephone advice Line on 0800 232 1271.
Minister McCausland said: "Last year’s 'Make the Call' campaign was a great success with over 14,000 calls to the free advice line, resulting in £3m in additional benefit payments and arrears to people across Northern Ireland. I am concerned that many older people may still be missing out on much needed money when this need not be the case and I hope that this year’s campaign will see many more people benefiting."
"This year we have introduced a new service for mobile users who can text CHECK to 66101 and an experienced advisor will ring them back. While not all callers will receive an increase in benefits, they may be entitled to other services and support such as Warm Homes, Boiler Replacement and Blue Badge Schemes, free television licences, help with healthcare costs and concessionary transport."
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge, is supporting the campaign.
She said: "Too many older people do not claim all the benefits to which they are entitled and I would therefore encourage all people over 60 to make the call to the Benefits Advice Line to find out if they are eligible for additional benefits. With winter upon us any extra help could make a difference especially to the older members of our society."
Information about the campaign and other unclaimed benefits can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/unclaimed-benefits
The 'Make the Call' campaign, which includes television, newspaper and outdoor advertisements, encourages older people to ring the telephone advice Line on 0800 232 1271.
Minister McCausland said: "Last year’s 'Make the Call' campaign was a great success with over 14,000 calls to the free advice line, resulting in £3m in additional benefit payments and arrears to people across Northern Ireland. I am concerned that many older people may still be missing out on much needed money when this need not be the case and I hope that this year’s campaign will see many more people benefiting."
"This year we have introduced a new service for mobile users who can text CHECK to 66101 and an experienced advisor will ring them back. While not all callers will receive an increase in benefits, they may be entitled to other services and support such as Warm Homes, Boiler Replacement and Blue Badge Schemes, free television licences, help with healthcare costs and concessionary transport."
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge, is supporting the campaign.
She said: "Too many older people do not claim all the benefits to which they are entitled and I would therefore encourage all people over 60 to make the call to the Benefits Advice Line to find out if they are eligible for additional benefits. With winter upon us any extra help could make a difference especially to the older members of our society."
Information about the campaign and other unclaimed benefits can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/unclaimed-benefits
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2014
£16.9m Received In New Benefits
Nearly 5,000 people have received a total of nearly £16.9m in new and additional social security benefits, according to the Department for Social Development. The Department's Benefit Uptake Programme has seen an increase in outcomes from last year of nearly £4m.
£16.9m Received In New Benefits
Nearly 5,000 people have received a total of nearly £16.9m in new and additional social security benefits, according to the Department for Social Development. The Department's Benefit Uptake Programme has seen an increase in outcomes from last year of nearly £4m.
27 February 2012
More Than 11,000 Calls Made For Extra Cash
Over 11,000 calls have been made to the Department for Social Development’s Benefits Advice Line since it was launched in November. The calls, from people who felt that they may be missing out on extra cash, came in response to a multi-media advertising campaign which called on older people to 'Make the Call'.
More Than 11,000 Calls Made For Extra Cash
Over 11,000 calls have been made to the Department for Social Development’s Benefits Advice Line since it was launched in November. The calls, from people who felt that they may be missing out on extra cash, came in response to a multi-media advertising campaign which called on older people to 'Make the Call'.
23 March 2005
Lock out crime scheme reaches 1000 homes
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced the expansion of the Government’s Lock Out Crime Scheme when he visited the Belfast home of the one thousandth recipient.
Lock out crime scheme reaches 1000 homes
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced the expansion of the Government’s Lock Out Crime Scheme when he visited the Belfast home of the one thousandth recipient.
02 October 2009
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI. Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue. The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI. Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue. The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
16 June 2023
1 In 10 Abuse Reports Made By People Aged Over 55
One in ten people who report domestic or sexual abuse in NI are over the age of 55, the PSNI has revealed as they urge people to stand up against elder abuse and help raise awareness of how to spot the signs.
1 In 10 Abuse Reports Made By People Aged Over 55
One in ten people who report domestic or sexual abuse in NI are over the age of 55, the PSNI has revealed as they urge people to stand up against elder abuse and help raise awareness of how to spot the signs.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
