Over half a million pounds in benefits have been secured for residents in the Western Isles as a result of the Claim It! benefits campaign by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the Pensions Service.

 Since the Claim It! pilot in May 2007, £656,313.40 has been secured in benefits that were previously unclaimed.  The campaign is primarily aimed at older people.

 However organizers believe there are still millions of pounds not being claimed in benefits.

Comhairle Leader, Cllr Angus Campbell, said: “Approximately 30% of our elderly population aren’t claiming the benefits to which they are entitled. That means there is potentially millions of pounds in benefit going unclaimed by people who have a right to that money. I would urge anyone who is in any doubt over the level of benefits they receive to contact the Comhairle”.

The reasons for not claiming benefit are varied but include, a lack of knowledge of the system, the complexity of the system, previous bad experiences, disability and literacy issues, the stigma attached to means tested benefits and a reluctance, particularly on the part of older people, to bother anyone - the “I’m getting by” scenario.

Unclaimed benefits also have an effect on the rest of the local community. It means there is less money flowing round the Western Isles economy, there is more fabric decay of houses due to poor heating, more rent arrears and additional costs to Health Services as a result of increased ill health.

If you, or someone you know, wants to enquire about whether the correct benefits are being received, call Sandra MacRae about Claim It! on 07990 088028.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk