Older people across Wales are getting vital support to increase
their incomes and claim benefits they are entitled to, thanks to
Welsh Government funded advice services.
The support includes help with claiming benefits, managing bills,
and accessing services, with one-to-one sessions and community
drop-in sessions to reach people who might otherwise miss out.
Yesterday, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and the Older
People's Commissioner for Wales visited Cynon Linc, a community
hub operated by Age Connects Morgannwg, where older people get
help and advice on claiming benefits, increasing their income,
and avoiding scams.
Age Connects Morgannwg has been awarded £321,000 over three years
through the Welsh Government's Single Advice Fund. Through home
visits, pop-up sessions, and Digi Cafés, the charity is reaching
people who might otherwise miss out. It also led a Pension Credit
campaign that helped nearly 1,900 older people in Cwm Taf
Morgannwg claim over £1.6 million in additional income they were
entitled to but had not received.
Ceriann August has been volunteering at Cynon
Linc, having experienced the benefits of its services herself.
She said: “My mother was living with dementia, and my dad and I
were her carers. It was a really difficult time, and we found
support here. We came three days a week for breakfast and
support. They gave us advice on claiming my dad's Pension Credit
to help with his glasses and dental care, and they told us about
the Carer's Allowance we could claim. The staff here are like
family now – they've just been amazing.”
Chief Executive of Age Connects Morgannwg, Daisy
Cole, said: “Too many older people are missing out on
money they are entitled to, often without realising it. The
Single Advice Fund support from Welsh Government allows us to
meet people where they are in their homes, community spaces and
at Cynon Linc and help them claim what they're entitled to with
dignity. For the older people we support, this is about peace of
mind: not having to choose between heating or eating and feeling
more secure in everyday life. It's preventative support that
helps older people live well and enjoy a better quality of life,
and it's made possible by our dedicated staff team, who safeguard
the wellbeing of older people every day.”
Older People's Commissioner for Wales, Rhian
Bowen-Davies, said “Community-based Hubs like Cynon Linc
provide crucial services and support to older people, strongly
focused on local needs, as well as playing an important role in
enabling people to live and age well.
“It was good to see the difference being made by Age Connects
Morgannwg's hard work first-hand during my visit alongside the
Cabinet Secretary, and to hear directly from older people about
the positive impact that the Hub is making to their lives.
“Services and support like this are a key feature of Age-Friendly
Communities, which is why further investment is so important to
build on good practice and deliver on our shared ambition of
making Wales an Age-Friendly nation.”
The Single Advice Fund is a £36 million Welsh Government
investment providing advice services across Wales from April 2025
to March 2028, with older people a key group the fund supports.
Since 2020, services funded through the scheme have helped people
across Wales secure more than £290 million in additional income.
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , said: "I spoke to
people about how much this advice helps them, whether it's
understanding their benefits, getting help with bills, or just
having someone to talk things through with. This support makes a
real difference for people who might otherwise miss out. I'm
proud that the Welsh Government is supporting services like this
to reach those who need it most and make sure older people across
Wales claim their entitlements.”
