Benefits must reach those in need - Richie launches campaign

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie has signalled her determination to ensure the most vulnerable in our society claim the benefits they are entitled to.

During visits to Age Concern in Newcastle and Help the Aged in Belfast, Ms Ritchie announced a campaign by the Social Security Agency (SSA) to target 230,000 people across Northern Ireland, to make sure they are not missing out on benefits. The SSA will invest £¾ of a million in its drive to target mainly pensioners, as well as those with a disability/mental health/long-term illness, carers and families.

Minister Ritchie commented: “Research has raised concerns about the number of people who appear not to have claimed the support to which they are entitled. It is intolerable that vulnerable people are missing out on support that is rightfully theirs.

“This is an issue that I am determined to address as Social Development Minister. The majority of my Department’s budget is spent on social security benefits, and it is essential that this money is getting to those who need it most.”

The campaign continues the Social Security Agency’s ongoing programme to promote higher levels of benefit uptake. Early results from the 2006/07 campaign show that more than 1000 people are already better off by, on average, an extra £41 per week. This equates to an additional £2.3 million each year.

Minister Ritchie continued: “The success of last year’s initiative is very encouraging. The average increase of £41 per week can make a real difference to people’s lives. The SSA has worked closely with advice organisations to make contact with the target groups and I intend to build on that and aim to exceed last year’s achievements.”

Welcoming the announcement, Anne O’Reilly, Chief Executive of Age Concern Northern Ireland said “Thousands of older people across Northern Ireland are missing out on money that’s rightfully theirs and could make a huge difference to their quality of life. We know that Northern Ireland’s pensioners have lower incomes than their GB counterparts and it is vitally important that older people in Northern Ireland take advantage of benefits to which they are entitled.”

Grace Henry, Director of Help the Aged in Northern Ireland said: “20% of Northern Ireland's pensioner population experience poverty on a daily basis - Help the Aged welcomes today's event and the opportunity to engage with the Minister on this very important issue.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Photographs can be accessed on the DSD internet site at http://dsdni.gov.uk/breakfast-with-benefits.htm
2. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office 028 9082 9078