The Council’s Welfare Rights Service ‘Missing Benefits’ project has already helped to generate over £150,000 in extra benefits for people in the short time it has been running.
Early findings suggest 90 per cent of those who apply are missing out on at least one benefit payment.
Older people in particular have been found to be missing out on Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance.
Pension Credit is designed to top-up any pension income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for a single pensioner and £306.85 for a couple.
Attendance Allowance - worth up to £101.75 a week - can be paid when people struggle manage their personal care or their safety
is at risk, for example due to falls, general frailty or dementia.
This is in addition to any Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support to help with rent and council tax bills.
Councillor Louise Miles, Cabinet Member for Resources said:
“It’s vital people act now to check they’re not missing out on benefits they’re entitled to, and could really help them with daily living costs, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
“This project has already identified that people are missing out on more than £150,000 in benefits and it aims to deliver £1.9 million in benefit gains to Wolverhampton residents during the next 12 months.
“I’d urge everyone to take a moment and check if they could be one of those who are missing out. It could transform your household finances, especially during these difficult times.”
If you think you or a family member or friend could be missing out then call 07989 854392 or email wrs.missingbenefits@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
There is also a ‘missing benefits’ portal on the council’s website (all you need do is type in ‘missing benefits’) through which people can access a missing benefits assessment.
