It might be less than a banker’s bonus but £8million is a magic figure for Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The Council’s Welfare Rights team has secured £8million of extra benefit – all of which has gone directly into the pockets of residents aged 50 and over at a rate of up to £150 a week.
The welfare rights team was set-up back in 2004 through the Council’s older person’s strategy after requests from residents. In various consultation exercises and forums older residents were consistently saying that one of their main concerns was that of maximising their income.
Horror stories of older, vulnerable residents suffering by not heating their homes or being unable to “treat” their grandchildren – for fear of where the money was going to come from – spurred the team on to deliver maximum results.
One resident anonymously commented: “Before I had the extra funding my low income made me feel worthless. I worked hard from the age of 13 and I was over 65 when I retired due to ill health.
“I am unable to get out and about, but this extra funding enables me to have better food, better heat and better light. And I can give my children or grandchildren the money for transport when I send for them when I am ill. I no longer wish I was dead as I have dignity and life.”
The Council’s welfare rights team has now made visits to thousands of residents over the age of 50 to check they’re getting the benefits they are entitled to. As a result the team has this week hit the £8million mark of extra benefits for local people.
Councillor Mike Forey, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, said: “This scheme has been a huge success and it must continue for the benefit of older people across the County Borough.
“This is money, which the people we have been able to help, are rightly entitled to but for whatever reason were not aware of this or were not claiming it.
“It is unthinkable that there are vulnerable people who are afraid to heat their home or have a decent meal because of the cost and it is rewarding to know so many have already been helped.
“We know there is always more work to be done and we will continue to assist as many people as possible.”
Anyone aged 50 and over living in Rhondda Cynon Taf can request a benefits check by ringing the team on 01443 668888.
