'£200k in unclaimed support' - Fylde resident £200 per week better off after Age UK Lancashire help
“A quick conversation could make a huge difference.”
Older residents across Fylde are being encouraged to check they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to after a local advice service identified more than £200,000 in unclaimed support in six months.
Between April and September 2026, Age UK Lancashire's Information and Advice service identified £203,232.10 in benefits for residents of State Pension age. Of this, £46,909.18 has already been confirmed as awarded, with further decisions pending.
Supported by annual grant funding from Fylde Council, the service provides free advice on benefit checks, Attendance Allowance claims, Pension Credit and energy support, including the Warm Home Discount.
The team also encourages anyone whose Attendance Allowance application has been rejected not to give up, offering support to request a review of the decision. Every mandatory reconsideration supported by the team so far has resulted in a positive outcome.
In one case, a Lytham St Annes resident living alone was awarded the higher rate of Attendance Allowance, worth £114.60 a week, following a home visit to help complete her application. She also received more than £1,000 in backdated payments.
A subsequent benefit check increased her Pension Credit from £25.17 to £115.95 a week, leaving her more than £200 a week better off. The team also helped register her for Electricity North West's Extra Care Register and recommended an occupational therapy assessment.
Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic to see the real difference this service is making to older people in our community. Money worries can be a heavy weight to carry, especially as winter approaches, and nobody should miss out on support they’re entitled to.
“If you’re of State Pension age, or you have an older relative or neighbour, please get in touch with Age UK Lancashire. A quick conversation could make a huge difference.”
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Zoe Wiggins, Information and Advice Manager at Age UK Lancashire, added: “Age UK Lancashire strives to ensure all older people across the county are living their best later lives. Sometimes a little extra cash can help achieve this.
“Every year, millions of pounds in Pension Credit and other benefits go unclaimed, so we’d like to encourage residents of State Pension age and above to have the entitlements checked. Our Information & Advice Service can do this for you. Our service is confidential and free of charge.”
Residents can visit Age UK Lancashire at 7 St George's Road, St Annes, on Thursdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm, or arrange an appointment at another time. For advice, or to check whether a call from the service is genuine, contact the Customer Services Team on 0300 303 1234.