News
Durkan Urges Elderly To Avail Of Benefit Entitlements
SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark H Durkan has welcomed the Make the Call campaign which seeks to help pensioners find out if they are missing out on benefits they may be entitled to.
Mr. Durkan said:
I welcome the government's campaign to encourage elderly people to Make the Call to see if they are entitled to new or additional benefits.
It is good to see a much more pro-active stance from the government with the Make the Call campaign. This makes a welcome change from the government wielding the axe on people's benefits.
I am deeply concerned at figures announced today that suggest pensioners in the North are missing out on up to 200m a year in unclaimed benefits. These are funds that our elderly people are fully entitled to and should be able to avail of.
As temperatures plummet it is essential that pensioners should be given financial support to keep warm and in good health during the winter months. It is vital that the proper information is passed on to pensioners in a clear and unambiguous way.
My office would be very happy to assist anyone who wants to Make the Call and check about their benefit entitlements. My office number is 028 7136 5516. The Make the Call campaign advice line is 0800 232 1271, or text CHECK 66101.
ENDS
3.12.12
Further information:
SDLP Press Office 028 9052 1364
B? linn ar leas na h'ireann -www.sdlp.ie
