OAPs not claiming their cash

Thousands of pensioners in Northern Ireland are failing to claim benefits that are rightfully theirs, according to charity Age Concern.

Belfast Today reports that the charity's research reveals that 21 per cent of Ulster adults are worried that senior citizens who are friends or family are not claiming the cash they are entitled to.

Among reasons that Age Concern gives why older people may not claim benefits is that they are unaware that they qualify, are confused about the claims process or are simply too embarrassed to claim the money.

Tom Cairns, director of policy for Age Concern Northern Ireland, said: "Thousands of older people are missing out on money that’s rightfully theirs and could make a huge difference to their quality of life.

"We know that Northern Ireland's pensioners have lower incomes than their Great Britain counterparts. It is important that older people in Northern Ireland take advantage of benefits to which they are entitled."

Solicitors will be especially concerned about the news, as it means that many older people are unable to take advantage of investments, such as trust funds, to provide for their children or grandchildren, to care for their loved ones when they are no longer around.

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