In the last financial year, Age UK County Durham secured more than £8 million in previously unclaimed allowances and benefits for people aged 50 and over across County Durham.
The Information and Advice team at Age UK County Durham calculated that, between April 2024 and March 2025, its work has secured £8,001,860 in benefits which people did not realise they were entitled to. These have included unclaimed attendance allowance, personal independence payments, pension credit, housing benefit and council tax reductions. 93% of clients who provided feedback to the charity confirmed that their financial position had improved with their help.
Sharon Vasey, manager of the Information and Advice Team at Age UK County Durham, explained: “We help our clients claim what they are entitled to, so that they can live their lives independently and without worry. Our Information and Advice team is here to provide those aged 50 and over with any advice and support required. Calls to our team increased when the winter fuel payments were stopped, but we’ve worked with those people, and where we’ve discovered unclaimed benefits we’ve helped them make the relevant claims. The extra money goes a long way, and has obviously helped alleviate people’s money worries.”
Sharon added: “Not surprisingly, we regularly hear that our service users are not really sure how the benefit system works, so we’re really glad that they pick up the phone to us to ask for help. When you receive compliments saying how much people’s lives have changed for the better, you realise how vital this service is to our older generation.”
Age UK County Durham is the ‘go to’ organisation for anyone aged 50 or over living in County Durham. Its Information and Advice has a fully trained staff who provide free and impartial advice and information on benefit checks, disability benefits, lasting power of attorney, financial capability, money, tax, legal topics, health, community care, housing, accommodation, transport, heating, leisure and education. The Information and Advice team can be contacted by calling 0191 374 6367 or emailing: your.rights@ageukcountydurham.org.uk
Age UK County Durham is a stand-alone registered charitable organisation, and a brand partner of Age UK.