A recent report into the UK benefits system has highlighted the fact that many over 60s are not picking up their full benefit entitlement, with a reported £4 billion going unclaimed each year.  While the authorities claim that this is simple lack of application on behalf of the would be claimants, there are those who paint a more sinister picture. There have been numerous reports about the elderly claiming for various benefits only for the process to stall and drag on for months and months.  It seems that many just given up hope and abandoned their claims.

The fact that the authorities have quoted a figure in excess of £4 billion begs the question, if they know the figure, surely they must know the potential claimants? If so, surely it would be better getting in contact with them directly and arrangement payment, rather than financing a large advertising campaign which may well miss their intended target.  When you consider that there are only 60 million people living in the UK, that £4 billion is a fair chunk of money for every man, woman and child, not to mention an even larger share just for the older of society.

The elderly are not the only ones to suffer with the UK benefits system, a system which has under gone more changes over the last 20 years than we care to remember. New computer systems, new claims forms and new claims are just a selection of the changes which although meant to  resolve the confusion, have in many cases just added to it.  Perhaps there is an opening for a new industry which will basically advise the over 60s of what entitlements which they can claim, because with £4 billion a year at stake there is big money to be paid out.