Menu
24/01/2014
£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.
During a visit to the Pension Centre in Londonderry, Minister Nelson McCausland spoke of the growing success of his Benefit Uptake Programme.
"It is always important that we ensure that people who are entitled to benefits receive them," he said.
"The fact that we have managed to secure nearly an additional £17million this year for people in need in Northern Ireland, is very encouraging indeed. Local people mainly aged 60 and over who benefited from the benefit uptake programme last year, were better off by an average of £65 per week. I am committed to making sure that our efforts in this area continue and grow, and I am confident of even greater success going forward."
"I call on people, in any and all circumstances, to come forward and find out if they are entitled to any additional benefits. That is why I have reinvested in a fresh Make the Call advertising campaign to help people recognise their needs, check their potential entitlements and to make a claim for financial or other help.
"The Make the Call campaign will again include television, newspaper and outdoor advertisements, encouraging people in a range of circumstances, including older people and those looking after them, to ring a dedicated freephone benefit advice Line - 0800 232 1271. The advice line is manned by friendly and experienced advisors who can provide information about what benefits they may be entitled to and to arrange help with making a claim where it is needed."
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge, has again agreed to support the campaign.
"Increased numbers of older people applying for, and receiving the benefits they are rightfully entitled to, is very good news. I welcome the efforts of DSD to increase benefit take up by older people – and I will continue to support the 'Make the Call' campaign so that more and more older people and those looking after them receive the money that they should.
"Too many older people still live on incomes that make it difficult to get by. This can cause constant worry and can make it difficult for older people to keep warm, keep well and join in with all the family and community activities they wish to."
(IT/MH)
The Department's Benefit Uptake Programme has seen an increase in outcomes from last year of nearly £4m.
During a visit to the Pension Centre in Londonderry, Minister Nelson McCausland spoke of the growing success of his Benefit Uptake Programme.
"It is always important that we ensure that people who are entitled to benefits receive them," he said.
"The fact that we have managed to secure nearly an additional £17million this year for people in need in Northern Ireland, is very encouraging indeed. Local people mainly aged 60 and over who benefited from the benefit uptake programme last year, were better off by an average of £65 per week. I am committed to making sure that our efforts in this area continue and grow, and I am confident of even greater success going forward."
"I call on people, in any and all circumstances, to come forward and find out if they are entitled to any additional benefits. That is why I have reinvested in a fresh Make the Call advertising campaign to help people recognise their needs, check their potential entitlements and to make a claim for financial or other help.
"The Make the Call campaign will again include television, newspaper and outdoor advertisements, encouraging people in a range of circumstances, including older people and those looking after them, to ring a dedicated freephone benefit advice Line - 0800 232 1271. The advice line is manned by friendly and experienced advisors who can provide information about what benefits they may be entitled to and to arrange help with making a claim where it is needed."
The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland, Claire Keatinge, has again agreed to support the campaign.
"Increased numbers of older people applying for, and receiving the benefits they are rightfully entitled to, is very good news. I welcome the efforts of DSD to increase benefit take up by older people – and I will continue to support the 'Make the Call' campaign so that more and more older people and those looking after them receive the money that they should.
"Too many older people still live on incomes that make it difficult to get by. This can cause constant worry and can make it difficult for older people to keep warm, keep well and join in with all the family and community activities they wish to."
(IT/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 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.
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.
24 September 2015
91% Of Pensioners Against Means-Testing Smartpass Scheme
The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament has warned that if the Stormont Executive chooses to cut or means-test the bus pass, it is failing to recognise its true value.
91% Of Pensioners Against Means-Testing Smartpass Scheme
The Northern Ireland Pensioners Parliament has warned that if the Stormont Executive chooses to cut or means-test the bus pass, it is failing to recognise its true value.
15 November 2024
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
New Pathway To Support Young People With Diabetes
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has welcomed the launch of a new Regional Young Adults' Progression Pathway designed to support young people with Type 1 diabetes as they transition to adult services.
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.
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'.
-
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.
