Menu
27/02/2012
More Than 11,000 Calls Made For Extra Cash
Over 11,000 calls have been made to the Department for Social Development’s Benefits Advice Line since it was launched in November.
The calls, from people who felt that they may be missing out on extra cash, came in response to a multi-media advertising campaign which called on older people to 'Make the Call'.
Mr Nelson McCausland said: "It is great news that so many older people throughout Northern Ireland are 'making the call' to check if they are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs.
"The entitlement check doesn't just cover Social Security benefits; it also covers a range of other benefits and services, such as entitlement to the Warm Homes scheme, the Boiler Replacement scheme, rates relief, housing benefit and other supports, which may not necessarily be financial.
"So, as we move into the final stages of the ‘Make the Call’ campaign, I would urge all those people aged over 60 to call the freephone number, or ask a friend or family member to do so on their behalf."
The 'Make the Call' campaign – which includes television, radio, and newspaper advertisements - encourages older people to ring a dedicated freephone Benefits Advice Line - 0800 232 1271. The advice line, manned by experienced advisors, provides information about what benefits older people may be entitled to and can help them make a claim.
So far, around 40% of callers have been identified as having potential entitlement to an additional benefit or service.
(CD/GK)
The calls, from people who felt that they may be missing out on extra cash, came in response to a multi-media advertising campaign which called on older people to 'Make the Call'.
Mr Nelson McCausland said: "It is great news that so many older people throughout Northern Ireland are 'making the call' to check if they are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs.
"The entitlement check doesn't just cover Social Security benefits; it also covers a range of other benefits and services, such as entitlement to the Warm Homes scheme, the Boiler Replacement scheme, rates relief, housing benefit and other supports, which may not necessarily be financial.
"So, as we move into the final stages of the ‘Make the Call’ campaign, I would urge all those people aged over 60 to call the freephone number, or ask a friend or family member to do so on their behalf."
The 'Make the Call' campaign – which includes television, radio, and newspaper advertisements - encourages older people to ring a dedicated freephone Benefits Advice Line - 0800 232 1271. The advice line, manned by experienced advisors, provides information about what benefits older people may be entitled to and can help them make a claim.
So far, around 40% of callers have been identified as having potential entitlement to an additional benefit or service.
(CD/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2012
Older People Urged To Inquire Over Benefits
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has urged older people to find out whether or not they are missing out on benefits to which they are entitled. The 'Make the Call' campaign, which includes television, newspaper and outdoor advertisements, encourages older people to ring the telephone advice Line on 0800 232 1271.
Older People Urged To Inquire Over Benefits
Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland has urged older people to find out whether or not they are missing out on benefits to which they are entitled. The 'Make the Call' campaign, which includes television, newspaper and outdoor advertisements, encourages older people to ring the telephone advice Line on 0800 232 1271.
24 January 2014
£16.9m Received In New Benefits
Nearly 5,000 people have received a total of nearly £16.9m in new and additional social security benefits, according to the Department for Social Development. The Department's Benefit Uptake Programme has seen an increase in outcomes from last year of nearly £4m.
£16.9m Received In New Benefits
Nearly 5,000 people have received a total of nearly £16.9m in new and additional social security benefits, according to the Department for Social Development. The Department's Benefit Uptake Programme has seen an increase in outcomes from last year of nearly £4m.
23 June 2004
NI cancer victims not claiming benefits
Cancer sufferers in Northern Ireland are twice as likely to claim disability benefits than someone living in Scotland, but millions of pounds remain unclaimed. This is according to a report by leading cancer care charity Macmillan Cancer Relief, which revealed that more than £126.
NI cancer victims not claiming benefits
Cancer sufferers in Northern Ireland are twice as likely to claim disability benefits than someone living in Scotland, but millions of pounds remain unclaimed. This is according to a report by leading cancer care charity Macmillan Cancer Relief, which revealed that more than £126.
23 March 2005
Lock out crime scheme reaches 1000 homes
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced the expansion of the Government’s Lock Out Crime Scheme when he visited the Belfast home of the one thousandth recipient.
Lock out crime scheme reaches 1000 homes
Criminal Justice Minister John Spellar today announced the expansion of the Government’s Lock Out Crime Scheme when he visited the Belfast home of the one thousandth recipient.
02 October 2009
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI. Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue. The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
NI's Older People To Gain Representation
The public are to be asked what they think about a proposal to create an Older People's Commissioner for NI. Stormont Junior Ministers Robin Newton and Gerry Kelly this week launched a public consultation on the issue. The news came as the Ministers hosted an event for older people to celebrate United Nations International Day of Older People.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
