| Carers urged to claim credit for caring |
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Thousands of carers across North Tyneside could be missing out on up to £2,761 of benefits cash annually, because they simply don’t realise they are entitled to it, Age Concern North Tyneside is warning today. As part of the ‘More Money in Your Pocket’ benefits campaign, Age Concern North Tyneside is urging all carers of an older person to get in touch for a free benefits check. Each year £740 million in carers’ benefits1 is left unclaimed and many carers in North Tyneside could be missing out on their rightful share. Last year Age Concern North Tyneside helped hundreds of older people claim over £1million of extra financial help. Despite carers saving the UK £87 billion a year2 many carers in North Tyneside may just see caring for a loved one as their responsibility and won’t realise they could be entitled to additional financial support. Yet the cost of caring can quickly escalate, and claiming the money they’re entitled to can often make a big difference to carers. To coincide with UK Carers Week 2009 (June 8-14), Age Concern North Tyneside has organised activities to encourage people to take up their carers’ benefits. An experienced advisor will be on hand at a coffee morning organised by The Salvation Army. This is being held on Thursday 18th June between 10.30 and 12.00 at 28 Howard Street North Shields, all welcome, booking not necessary. Mrs Johnson was helped to claim carers’ benefits by Age Concern North Tyneside, she said: “Getting help from Age Concern has made such a positive difference to our lives. It feels like a weight has been lifted from me. Knowing there is someone I can turn to is just marvellous. I think you do a wonderful job.” Many pensioners are failing to claim because they wrongly believe they are not entitled to carers’ benefits because they receive the State Pension, yet this is often not the case. Although Carer’s Allowance cannot be paid on top of the State Pension, it can mean they could receive extra top-ups to their Pension Credit, Housing Benefit or Council Tax benefit instead. Or they may become entitled to these benefits for the first time. Carers under state pension age not claiming could be doubly missing out, as they could also receive weekly National Insurance credits towards their state pension if they claim carers’ benefits. 3 Alma Caldwell, Chief Executive at Age Concern North Tyneside, said: “Carers shouldn’t have to pay a price for the invaluable care they provide. Yet many carers in North Tyneside are missing out on much needed extra cash that is rightfully theirs. This money could help reduce the financial burden of caring and could make a big difference to their quality of life. “You don’t have to wear a uniform to be a carer – many people don’t realise they could get extra help or simply don’t understand the system. Our advisors are ready and waiting to help carers to find out more about what they are entitled to and to help them to claim. We would urge any older carers or anyone caring for an older person in North Tyneside to contact us on 0191 2808484 for a free benefits check/help and advice or call our free helpline number on 0800 00 99 66 for more information.”
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