Older residents are benefiting from more than £2 million in additional income, thanks to the Advice and Information Service delivered by Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering and Havering Council.
The service, funded through the Health Inequalities Fund, supports residents aged 50 and over to access the financial help they are entitled to, reduce household pressures, and stay independent for longer.
It also helps residents connect with local activities and practical support that can reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
Accredited by the Advice Quality Standard (AQS), the team provides expert guidance on a wide range of benefits including Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Council Tax Support, Personal Independence Payment, Universal Credit, Warm Home Discount and Housing Benefit.
Residents are also supported to manage energy costs and access schemes that can bring down utility bills.
The Advice and Information Service works closely with the council-supported Energy Doctors initiative.
Any resident over the age of 50 who requests a benefits check during an Energy Doctors visit is referred directly to the Age UK team for full advice and follow-up support.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“This is a very important service for residents who may be finding things more difficult, particularly with ongoing cost of living pressures.
"By working closely with Age UK, we are helping ensure that older residents can access the right support quickly - whether that’s a benefits check, help managing energy costs, or guidance to stay safe and independent at home.
“The results speak for themselves, and it’s encouraging to see the difference this work is making for residents across the borough.”
Since the project began, the service has achieved:
- over £2 million in additional annual benefit income for residents
- more than £9,000 in one-off grants and payments from Disabled Facilities Grants, Discretionary Housing Payments and charitable funds
- over £25,000 secured in backdated benefit awards.
Residents using the service have reported significant improvements to their wellbeing.
One resident said: “I can afford heating and food, which I had to choose from before.” Another added: “More money, not living hand to mouth each week. Feeling less stressed.”
Support provided by the service has changed lives. One resident, aged 83 and living with COPD, reached out after struggling with mobility and daily tasks.
The team helped him apply for Attendance Allowance, secure a higher-rate award with £1,153 in backdated payments, gain Council Tax Support, and successfully apply for a Blue Badge.
They also supported him to access a Disabled Facilities Grant so his bath could be replaced with a safer walk-in shower.
Another couple in their late 70s and 80s, both living with long-term health conditions and facing significant utility debt, were supported to apply for Attendance Allowance and access further help through charitable funds and energy support schemes.
Their annual household income increased by more than £5,000, alongside £900 in backdated payments and help to reduce arrears through national energy trusts.
Residents aged 50 and over who would like advice on benefits, staying independent, or getting help with energy costs can contact Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering’s Advice and Information Service for confidential guidance.