The Rothesay Foundation
In 2023, the Rothesay Foundation launched a pilot campaign with Age UK to help fund our free and confidential benefits check service for older people. The pilot helped more than 4,500 participants find out whether they were eligible for state benefits, both in person at selected local Age UKs and through a dedicated phone number to the Age UK Advice Line.
The Rothesay Foundation’s pilot programme with Age UK identified that 76% of those in the pilot group who accessed the benefits check service were eligible for benefits they were not claiming. From this pilot group alone, £23 million of additional benefits were identified for older people in need.
We are delighted that Rothesay Foundation are increasing their support to Age UK with additional funding of £2.47 million.
This funding will support 11 local Age UKs to deliver benefits checks in local communities, providing dedicated staff to guide older people through the application process which includes help filling out the forms. We'll also hire additional staff for our national Advice Line to provide the same service over the phone.
The funding will also support us to follow up with callers on the progress and outcome of their claim, ensuring they receive the help they need to successfully navigate the benefits process.
Too many older people are living in need in the UK despite being eligible and entitled to greater financial support. Through our pilot campaign with Age UK, we know that benefits like Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance can be life-changing, unlocking potentially thousands of pounds each year for those in need. By funding this expanded initiative with Age UK, we will deliver on our mission of improving the quality of life for older people in need in the UK by ensuring far fewer pensioners are missing out on the essential financial support they are entitled to.
At Age UK, we are committed to ensuring that every older person can afford to heat their home and enjoy a hot meal at least once a day. That’s why it’s a priority for Age UK to continue raising awareness of the welfare benefits available to older people, and helping them claim what they are entitled to.
This is why our partnership with the Rothesay Foundation is so vital. With its support, Age UK has been able to expand our benefits check service through our national Advice Line and in 11 communities across England and Wales through local Age UKs and Age Cymrus. We are deeply grateful to the Rothesay Foundation for its generosity and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older people.
To find out about working together give our Corporate Partnerships team a call on 020 303 31356 or email us at corporate@ageuk.org.uk.