Claire Sugden MLA has welcomed the news that last year’s Benefit Uptake Programme has awarded £880,000 to people in her Constituency of East Londonderry.
Miss Sugden said: “I welcome the news that last year’s Benefit Uptake Programme awarded an extra £775,000 to people in Coleraine, and £105,000 to those in Limavady.
These are additional benefits that they were entitled to, but were not claiming. I am pleased that they will now receive what they should have been getting all along.
The scheme highlights the need for greater awareness of benefit entitlements; I am sure that there are others who are not receiving what they should be. This extra money could make a difference to their quality of life.
I am particularly concerned that older people and their carers may not be receiving the maximum support that they could be. I work closely with this sector across East Londonderry and many older people are the most vulnerable members of communities.
I’m pleased that the ‘Make the Call’ campaign will restart this month, encouraging people to have their benefit checked. If you are unsure of what you are entitled to, I encourage you to call this free advice line on 0800 232 1271. I also welcome any queries about the scheme, or about your benefit entitlement, through my constituency office.”
