Mary is 92 and lives in the Richmond Hill area. Recently workers at Richmond Hill Elderly Action (RHEA) helped Mary work out her benefits and claim pension credit and Housing Benefit. Donna Waldron, SWIFt Engagement Officer at RHEA, spoke to Mary initially. “Mary had told me she had been living off the funds from selling her house and it had nearly run out,” says Donna. “She feared she would have to move as wouldn't be able to afford the rent.”

Donna asked Nicola Farley, Outreach Worker at RHEA to help out. Donna says, “If you or someone you know has a problem or needs advice on any subject, RHEA's expert Nicola will work with them on a one-to-one basis and in complete confidentiality.” Nicola helped Mary work out the benefits she was entitled to. Mary was able to claim both Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.

Thanks to Nicola and Donna and their help, Mary was able to stay where she loves and increase her weekly income.

We caught up with Mary on the phone to find out a little more about her and why claiming Pension Credit was a good idea. Mary started by telling us about where she grew up. “I was born in Leeds, where the Merrion Centre is. They knocked our houses down to build the Merrion Centre. Rossington Street, they called it. At one end it was Woodhouse Lane and at the top end it was Camp Road.”

During World War 2, Mary worked as a machinist in a factory on Claypit Lane, making army uniforms. She stopped work when she got married, though sadly her first husband died. Mary married again and they started a family.

As she got older, Mary realised that she needed some help with day-to-day living, so she moved to a sheltered housing complex. She sold her house. “I should have asked more for it really,” she tells us. “I just wanted to get out of the area.” When her funds were getting low, Mary thought she might have to move out. Nicola helped her navigate the benefits system. “I’ve just had a rise in my benefits,” says Mary. “I’m better off now.” Mary is entitled to Housing Benefit, which helps her pay her rent. She’s also entitled to Pension Credits, which means she has more money to spend on other day-to-day things.

It’s fantastic to hear that Mary was able to get her benefits sorted out. She really loves where she lives and having Housing Benefit meant she could stay there. “It’s lovely. The wardens are very, very good. The people that live here, I’m friendly with a lot of them. I do like it here. It’s a one-bedroomed flat. It’s only two storeys high and I’m on the top floor.” Mary’s Pension Credits also help with bills like groceries. Her family take her shopping and Mary enjoys having just a bit more money to spend. Finally, we asked Mary what advice she’d give to older people who might be entitled to Pension Credits. “Get them sorted out!” she says. Who can argue with that?

The average Pension Credit claim boosts your income by around £60 a week. Just imagine...