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Flagship pension benefits 'failing thousands'
26 September 2008 14:31
More than half of pensioners are being forced to cut back on life's essentials, such as food and fuel, new research has discovered.
An investigation by Age Concern has also found that one in ten pensioners have been forced into debt by spiralling living costs.
With a third of eligible people missing out on the government's flagship pension credit, Age Concern is calling for an automatic-payment system to be introduced for pensioners.
Gordon Lishman, director general of Age Concern, commented that it is deeply wrong that billions of pounds in benefits cash is failing to reach the poorest pensioners at a time when thousands are feeling forced to cut back on essentials such as food and fuel.
He added that the introduction of a system of automatic benefits was the only effective way to reach all of those pensioners in need of help.
The charity urges all those who are eligible to put in a claim for the government's flagship pension now.
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