£750,000 benefits secured

Some of the allowances available are not means-tested

A helpline for older people in Devon says it has managed to help secure more than £750,000 in benefits for people in the county.

Caredirect offers free advice and information to people over 60, as well as their relatives and carers, about what benefits and allowances they are entitled to.

The organisation had 156 calls alone in the last month from people asking about the Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance and helped arrange £112,000 in the allowances for callers.

Neither of the allowances are means-tested, meaning people with savings, private pensions or other benefits still qualify if they need it.

We are not there to take away the independence of individuals

Caredirect

The organisation also works with Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon Fire Service to help raise awareness about home security and safety.

Caredirect said: "Most enquiries are about financial benefits.

"A large percentage of people do not claim what they are entitled to, and we give people a financial benefits check over the phone using information from our database.

"We are not there to take away the independence of individuals, we are there to give it back to them."

Councillor Lyn Gear of Devon County Council said: "It is important that pensioners and those on low income are aware that they could be eligible for significant financial help with their living expenses, which may include help with meeting their Council Tax bills.

"This is money people are entitled to and it's there to help. It's much better that it goes to help Devon people than ends up back in the Treasury's coffers."