A drop-in road show and exhibition, supported by Age Friendly Manchester, to provide information on how older people can check if they are missing out on Pension Credit.
Posters will be used to communicate our research findings and the stories from our research participants. Leaflets with information on how to claim Pension Credit will be given out and made available digitally through key user groups and stakeholder networks.
The event will highlight the value of Pension Credit but also the concerns some older people have.
Pension Credit is a Department for Work and Pensions top up payment for older people on low incomes. It can also be a means for older people to get help with housing costs, dental care, glasses and other support.
However only 70% of the older people who are thought to be entitled to Pension Credit actually claim it. Around 1 million older people could be entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming it. This lack of take up is thought to be impacting on the health and wellbeing of older people.
Around 2 million older people aged 66 years and older in the UK live in relative poverty and many are struggling with the growing cost of living crisis. 1.5 million older people in the UK have unmet social care needs.
It's estimated that around 36,000 older people across Greater Manchester are entitled to Pension Credit but are not claiming it. Our research has highlighted how many older people find the benefits system too complex, do not know where to ask for help and are concerned about having their existing pensions taken away.
Dr Kingsley Purdam, University of Manchester
All people
The event will be of particular interest to older people aged 66 years and older as well as their families and carers. The event will also be of interest to user groups and stakeholders such as local authorities, care providers and older peoples support groups.
No need to book - just turn up on the day