Older people on low incomes often don’t claim means-tested benefits, study finds

After parliament voted to end the universal Winter Fuel Payment despite the Government not conducting an assessment of the impact of the changes, research has shown that older people often don’t claim means-tested welfare benefits for a variety of reasons including a lack of awareness, the complexity of applying, and not recognising – or wanting to admit – being in need.

1.9 million older people in the UK live in relative income poverty, and many have unmet care needs. However, research led by Dr Kingsley Purdam from The University’s School of Social Sciences has found that despite Government efforts to raise awareness, billions of pounds in welfare benefits go unclaimed every year as many older people do not currently take up the support they are entitled to such as Pension Credit. Not claiming such benefits can also exclude older people from welfare support for other essential living costs. As one older person aged 73 commented: “I’m scared to put the heating on. You shouldn’t have to live like this. I dread winter coming!”.

The study uncovered many reasons why older people don’t apply for these benefits. Some don’t realise that they qualify, while others are afraid of the complicated process or feel embarrassed about asking for help – one respondent aged 86 told the researchers that they “don’t want to be seen as a cadger”. Some are also worried that their income and savings will be taken away. 

For those older people without internet access or who don’t trust using the phone, it’s even harder to navigate the welfare system. One older person had been the victim of attempted fraud when a stranger called threatening to send the police around to collect money. The lack of professional guidance and support leaves many vulnerable older people worse off financially, leading to increased health risks. 

Many of the people interviewed in the study suggested ways to improve the welfare system. They want simpler forms, more one-to-one help, and clearer information about benefits. They also think benefits should be paid automatically to those who qualify instead of making them apply. Increasing the amount of support to match the rising cost of living would also encourage more older people to claim what they’re entitled to.

The current welfare system is failing many older people, especially those living in poverty. Even if all eligible people claimed their benefits, many would still struggle to get by. One older person aged 73 described how applying for welfare benefits made older people “feel like beggars”. To fix this, the system needs major changes, including better support and more user-friendly processes.  

Highly targeted professional help based on accurate and up-to-date administrative data – provided in a way that does not introduce new forms of stigma and embarrassment – is essential.

“In the context of an ageing population, high levels of long-term poverty amongst many older people, the increasing retirement age, the cost of living crisis and the Government’s changes to the Winter Fuel Payment, it is more important than ever that vulnerable older people who may have spent a lifetime living on low incomes receive the welfare benefits they are entitled to,” said Dr Purdam.