OLDER people across Tameside are being invited to drop-in sessions to receive support and check they are receiving all benefits they are entitled to.
It comes as the controversial withdrawal of the Winter Fuel Payment from many pensioners has dominated the national news agenda.
As Tameside’s MPs detailed their reasons for backing a vote in the House of Commons, the Labour government said the decision was part of a series of measures to address what it called a £22 billion ‘black hole’ in public finances left by the Conservative administration.
It means the tax-free sum of between £200 and £300 will be limited to only those claiming pension credit or other means-tested benefits.
In Tameside, the local authority says there is an estimated 3,200 people who are entitled are currently not claiming pension credit – a government benefit which provides extra money for those over state pension age with a low income.
If eligible, people may also be able to access other entitlements – such as housing costs, reduced council tax and NHS costs.
The council’s Welfare Rights team are hosting a ‘pension credit roadshow’ throughout the autumn across the borough.
The in-person sessions will enable residents over the state pension age to learn more about the benefits they could potentially receive.
They are taking place on the following dates, with some still to be confirmed in due course:
- Tuesday 1 October, 12-2pm at The Together Centre, 287 Birch Lane, Dukinfield SK16 5AU
- Tuesday 8 October, 10am-2pm at Hattersley Hub, Stockport Road, Hattersley, SK14 6AF
- Wednesday 9 October, 12:30pm-2:30pm The Together Centre, 287 Birch Lane, Dukinfield SK16 5AU
- Monday 14 October, 10am-12:30pm at The Grafton Centre, Grafton St, Hyde SK14 2AX
- Thursday 24 October, 10:30am-1pm at The Grafton Centre, Grafton St, Hyde SK14 2AX
- Wednesday 30 October, 10:30am-12:30pm 4C Community Centre, Taunton Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 9DR
- Wednesday 13 November, 10am-2pm, at The Oasis, Haughton Green, M34 7PL
- Tuesday 12 November, Time TBC at The Hub, Mottram, Longdendale, Hyde SK14 6AF
- Wednesday 20 November, Time TBC at The Hub, Mottram, Longdendale, Hyde SK14 6AF
- Tuesday 26 November, 10am, Mossley Community Centre, Roughtown Rd, Mossley, Ashton-under-Lyne OL5 0SG
- Wednesday 11 December, 9am-11am at St. Mary’s Church, Market St, Hollingworth, Hyde SK14 8PP
- Wednesday 18 December, 9am-11am at St. Mary’s Church, Market St, Hollingworth, Hyde SK14 8PP
Councillor John Taylor, Tameside Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: “It’s crucial we provide in-person support in our communities to help people check if they are eligible for pension credit.
“If you think you or someone could be eligible, please come along to one of our drop-in information sessions to speak to our friendly Welfare Rights team who will be happy to assist you.”