THE charity Age Cymru is urging over-60s in Wales to claim the benefits they are entitled to, to try to minimise debt.
Debt among older people has risen sharply in the last year, and a newbenefits study reveals one-in-five over-60s owe money on a mortgage, credit card or loan, and around one in ten have had to borrow money to pay their rent or mortgage.
“It is extremely worrying that such a high number of older people report having debts and have had to borrow money just to keep a roof over their heads,” said Claire Morgan, Age Cymru’s director of corporate services.
“Most older people live on relatively small incomes so making debt repayments can be a worry and many will also have had negative experiences when claiming benefits because they found the system off-putting.”
The charity has launched Let’s Talk Money, a campaign to make it easier for older people to claim their benefits, and a booklet is available from Age Cymru offices and shops across Wales, and from Age UK Advice on 0800 169 65 65. Information is also available at agecymru.org.uk/lets talkmoney
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