Blackburn with Darwen campaign helps residents unlock over £1million in unclaimed benefits

An important campaign led by Age UK Blackburn with Darwen in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen Council has helped hundreds of older residents secure over £1 million in extra income – bringing not just peace of mind but real economic benefits to the borough.

Between October 2024 and March 2025, Age UK Blackburn with Darwen provided 301 residents with benefit checks specifically focused on Pension Credit entitlement.

As a result:

• 66 new claims for Pension Credit were submitted
• A total of £439,669 in annual income was gained through Pension Credit and related benefits
• Claims for Attendance Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support and other entitlements, resulted in an additional £840,593 for residents.

In addition, 184 successful applications for the Household Support Fund, totalling £50,600 were made, helping residents stay warm, well fed and independent over the winter.

The campaign has been a lifeline for many, as Vicky Shepherd, Chief Executive of Age UK Blackburn with Darwen, added:

Too many older people are missing out on support they’re entitled to, often because they wrongly assume they won’t qualify. Our message is simple: don’t rule yourself out – come and talk to us. Every extra pound can help people stay warm, healthy and independent.

Leader of the Council, Cllr Phil Riley, praised the impact of the campaign and said:

A key priority for the Council is helping to create a more prosperous borough where nobody is left behind and this campaign is a clear example of this.

Helping residents access the benefits they’re entitled to doesn’t just improve lives – it strengthens our local economy. That’s why we committed to working with Age UK Blackburn with Darwen to help ensure every resident that was entitled to extra help, knew it was available to them and got the support they needed to ensure that money went directly into their pockets.

That extra income is spent in local shops, on tradespeople, taxi services, and more. This partnership campaign with our local Age UK partners has brought in over £1 million to our borough, having a wider significant economic impact.

The campaign has had a significant impact, improving lives across the borough:

• An 82-year-old resident was awarded £3,247 a year in Pension Credit, £750 in back pay, a £275 Household Support Fund payment, and is now eligible for a free TV licence and help with health costs.
• A 94-year-old man, qualified for just 30p per week in Pension Credit Guarantee Credit – but that was enough to unlock a free TV licence, retain his Winter Fuel Payment, and get the glasses he had delayed buying.
• A local couple discovered they were entitled to over £5,000 a year in Pension Credit plus £5,287 in Housing Benefit, drastically improving their financial stability.

Feedback from local residents has also highlighted how the extra income improves everyday life, comments made to Age UK include:

I was struggling financially and mentally. Now I can get on with my day-to-day life – it’s lifted my confidence.

I can now afford a cleaner and hope to get extra help in the garden and with dog walking.

We can get things done around the home that were getting difficult in older age.

The back pay will go towards a new freezer, new slippers for my swollen feet and taxis to my appointments.

The campaign’s promotional work included:

• Letters issued to every eligible resident advising of help with applications
• 466 winter packs distributed
• Information shared with 34 venues in key neighbourhoods
• Eight different community drop-in events
• Banners displayed in Blackburn Town Hall, the Mall and Darwen Town Hall
• Regular features in local newsletters and health networks
• Outdoor media advertising including bus shelters and digital screens
• Social Media campaign with over 50 social media posts across Age UK and Blackburn with Darwen Council’s platforms

At the time of reporting, 30 more Pension Credit claims are still being processed, meaning the eventual total will rise further.

For benefit advice and support, contact Age UK Blackburn with Darwen:

• Phone: 01254 266620
• Website: www.ageukbwd.org.uk