- Welsh Government urges older people to claim financial
support they're entitled to.
- Deputy First Minister visited Age Connects Morgannwg to see
welfare advice in action
- Working towards a simpler, fairer welfare system for Wales
The Welsh Government is encouraging more older people across
Wales to claim the financial support they are entitled to,
helping ensure more money reaches those who need it.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Minister for Social Justice,
Sioned , visited Age Connects Morgannwg's
Cynon Linc today to meet staff and service users and hear how
face-to-face welfare advice is helping older people access the
support available to them.
The visit highlighted the importance of trusted, community-based
advice, particularly for older people who may be less likely to
access services online.
Daisy Cole, Chief Executive of Age Connects Morgannwg,
said: "We are delighted to welcome the Deputy First
Minister to Cynon Linc and the opportunity to show why, for many
older people, reaching out for support is the hardest step.
Older people often tell us the greatest difference isn't simply
the financial support they receive, it's the peace of mind that
comes from knowing someone has listened, understands their
situation and can help them navigate what can often feel like a
complex system.
No one should miss out on the support they are entitled to
because they don't know where to turn, find the system too
difficult to navigate or feel unable to ask for help.
Peace of mind begins with knowing you don't have to face things
alone. That's why relationships matter. They give people the
confidence to take that first step, knowing someone will listen,
understand and walk alongside them."
With energy bills continuing to rise, the Welsh Government wants
to make Welsh benefits simpler, fairer and easier to access. It
will review existing benefits and support schemes to maximise
their impact and explore ways to improve take-up, while
continuing to press the UK Government for greater welfare powers
for Wales.
Deputy First Minister Sioned said: We are working
towards a Welsh Welfare System that is simpler, fairer and easier
to navigate, making it as straightforward as possible for people
to access the financial support they are entitled to. That
includes improving how Welsh benefits are delivered while
ensuring face-to-face advice and help remains available for those
who need it.
"Services like Age Connects Morgannwg play a vital role in
helping people understand what support is available and giving
them the confidence to claim what they're entitled to, so fewer
older people miss out on financial support that could make a real
difference to their lives.
We're also clear that decisions about welfare are best made as
close as possible to the people they affect. That's why we'll
continue to press the UK Government to devolve more welfare
powers to Wales, so we can build a system that better reflects
the needs and priorities of people here.
If you think you, or someone you know, may be entitled to
financial support, I encourage you to seek advice and find out
what help is available."
All across Wales, Advicelink Cymru's Claim What's Yours advisors
can help people check their eligibility for extra income and
guide them through the claiming process. For free, confidential,
advice, call 0800 702 2020.
