Older people in Fermanagh and Omagh missing out on pension credit says Age NI

Older people in the Fermanagh and Omagh area are being urged to check if they are entitled to Pension Credit and other benefits they may be missing out on.

Today Age NI launched a new campaign “Are you entitled to more?”, supported by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and South West Age Partnership (SWAP).

Speaking at the launch event in Castle Park Leisure Centre, Lisnaskea, Linda Robinson BEM, Chief Executive of Age NI said:

“The Fermanagh and Omagh area has been identified as having a low uptake of Pension Credit and other benefits and we are very concerned that many older people here are missing out. We are delighted that SWAP and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council are fully supporting our campaign to encourage older people to check if they are entitled to more.

It’s crucial that older people make sure they are claiming all the additional financial support they may be entitled to. The extra money from successfully claiming Pension Credit makes a big difference to finances and quality of life.

To check if you are ‘entitled to more’ contact Age NI Advice Line on 0808 808 7575 and our team can support you through the process.”

Councillor Shirley Hawkes, Vice Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council added:

“This campaign is an important step in raising awareness of the financial support available to older people in our District.

It reflects the Council’s commitment to supporting older residents through initiatives like the Age Friendly Strategy and Action Plan. This plan is currently open for public consultation. We encourage everyone interested to engage with both to help build a more inclusive and supportive community for older people.
I would also encourage people to engage locally with Omagh Independent Advice Services or with Community Advice Fermanagh as appropriate on this and other related entitlement queries.''

Allison Forbes from SWAP continued:

"SWAP is pleased to support Age NI is this vital work and we are looking forward to seeing an improvement in pension credit uptake in Fermanagh & Omagh."