Older residents across Fylde are being encouraged to make sure they’re getting every penny they’re entitled to, after a local advice service helped uncover more than £200,000 in unclaimed benefits in just six months.
Between April and September 2026, Age UK Lancashire’s Information and Advice service identified £203,232.10 in benefits for Fylde residents of State Pension age. £46,909.18 has already been confirmed as awarded, with more decisions still to come.
The service, supported by annual grant funding from Fylde Council, offers free, friendly help with benefit checks, claim forms and energy support such as the Warm Home Discount, just in time for the colder months.
Attendance Allowance makes up a big part of the team’s work, and they’re keen that older people don’t give up if a claim is turned down. Every mandatory reconsideration the team has supported so far has ended positively, meaning residents who might have simply accepted a “no” are now receiving the support they deserve.
One resident, who lives alone in Lytham St Annes with no family nearby, was referred to the service for help with an Attendance Allowance claim after a bad fall at home. The team visited her at home to complete the form, and she was awarded the higher rate of £114.60 a week, along with over £1,000 in backpay. A follow-up benefit check showed her Pension Credit would also rise from £25.17 to £115.95 a week, leaving her more than £200 a week better off. The team also signed her up to Electricity North West’s Extra Care Register for extra help during power cuts, and pointed her towards an occupational therapy assessment to help her stay independent at home.
Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic to see the real difference this service is making to older people in our community. Money worries can be a heavy weight to carry, especially as winter approaches, and nobody should miss out on support they’re entitled to.
“If you’re of State Pension age, or you have an older relative or neighbour, please get in touch with Age UK Lancashire. A quick conversation could make a huge difference.”
Zoe Wiggins, Information and Advice Manager at Age UK Lancashire, added: “Age UK Lancashire strives to ensure all older people across the county are living their best later lives. Sometimes a little extra cash can help achieve this. Every year, millions of pounds in Pension Credit and other benefits go unclaimed, so we’d like to encourage residents of State Pension age and above to have the entitlements checked. Our Information & Advice Service can do this for you. Our service is confidential and free of charge. Please contact our Customer Services team on 0300 3031234 for more information.”
Residents can drop in to Age UK Lancashire at 7 St George’s Road, St Annes, every Thursday between 9.30am and 12.30pm or book an appointment for other times. For advice, or to check whether a call from the team is genuine, contact the Customer Services Team on 0300 3031234.
It’s another great example of the Council working hand in hand with local partners to help residents across Fylde live well.
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