The ruined carpet

Posted in Kevin's blog on 7 August 2009 | 0 Comments

I often give talks to groups of elderly people who are experiencing sight loss about the possible benefits available. Unfortunately some are reluctant to claim. Receiving benefits can significantly increase a person’s income and provide them with a better life so, wanting to encourage people to claim, I often use a true story.

Many older people grew up in a culture where turning to the state for help was considered degrading. Some are also fearful that if they claim benefits then the fraud department will watch them. Claiming State Retirement Pension doesn’t present a problem as people know that it is something that they have paid for, but when it comes to Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit or Housing and Council Tax Benefit the same link is not made. I find this story helps.

Living in an old terraced house is a constant battle against invading damp. The damp had crept in through the wall to the bedroom. After fixing the problem, I decided to coat the inside wall with a damp proofing liquid that had an exceptionally strong smell of diesel oil, and the colour and consistency of creosote. Being small, I was on the step ladders balancing the 5 litre tin on the top step when we all fell over. I was unhurt, but my beautiful new bedroom carpet was ruined.

After castigating the step ladders and swabbing up the mess, I started to worry as to how I was going to replace it. Then I remembered the house contents insurance policy. For years I had paid into this and never once thought to make a claim, but now need demanded. It was such relief when the cheque came and the carpet was replaced.

Benefits are like insurance. We spend our life paying into the scheme through taxes and National Insurance contributions. Just as house contents insurance can pay for a carpet, benefits can provide income in time of need. No one should feel uncomfortable about claiming their entitlement.

0 comments | Tags: Welfare Rights, Pension