People in south Bristol will have another opportunity to meet local money experts to check they are receiving all their financial entitlements when MP Karin Smyth organises the latest of her free one-stop-shop community events.
The Money Entitlement One Stop Shop event, at The Withywood Centre, Queens Road, Withywood, takes place on Friday 15 September from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm.
The Labour MP’s research has highlighted how £16 million per year in Pension Credit, and upwards of £20 million in Income Support, goes unclaimed by Bristol residents each year.
Karin Smyth said: “Too many people miss out on money that is rightly theirs, so I am again bringing together a number of Bristol’s finance experts to give practical first-hand advice and information to local people. It’s only fair that if you work hard and contribute to society, through taxes and other means, the system is then there for you when you need it.”
Organisations including Bristol Citizens Advice, South Bristol Advice Services, the Department for Work and Pensions, Care and Repair and Bristol City Council’s Welfare Rights & Money Advice Service will be present. They will help guide people through the processes necessary to claim what’s theirs.
The charity Age UK calculates that nationally up to £3.7 billion goes unclaimed by older people each year and whilst the primary focus of the event will be older people, all will be welcome. Attending organisations will have separate tables in a market-style layout in the main hall.
“Staggering amounts are involved, and what makes this even more striking is that it’s money that people are eligible to receive,” Karin Smyth added. “If this was rightly claimed, just think what it could do to help the lives of those who are entitled to it. Think too of the positive impact on the local economy when people spend it.
“Sometimes people are not fully aware of what they should be able to receive, and when the rules and regulations change it can be really difficult to keep on top of things. When you are having a hard time with money it feels so much harder to navigate the paperwork. Similar previous events I’ve organised have highlighted the need so I’m pleased to give yet another free opportunity to people I represent.”