Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Age UK Warns Pensioners Are Cutting Essentials as New Drive Urges Take‑Up of Support

The charity urges Pension Credit checks to raise incomes, directing people to contact energy suppliers for affordable payment plans.

Overview

  • A Yonder survey of more than 2,600 over‑65s found 35% are turning down heating, 33% are using less electricity, 15% expect to bathe or shower less, and 5% anticipate skipping meals.
  • Age UK launched its "crisis hiding in plain sight" campaign to boost take‑up of underclaimed benefits, with a focus on Pension Credit.
  • Caroline Abrahams urged older people not to skimp on heating in cold weather and to seek help if worried about bills.
  • Ofgem reminds customers that suppliers must work with them to set up affordable repayment plans if they are struggling with energy costs.
  • Age UK says 1.9 million pensioners are already in poverty and warns the total could exceed two million, citing 2025 advice‑line work that identified over £36 million in support for 6,006 people.