Residents across Pembrokeshire are set to benefit in extra support following the launch of the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) initiative.

The pilot scheme aims to maximise household income for local residents through a targeted approach, ensuring that those eligible are fully claiming all of their entitlements.

LIFT is a tool administered by analytics company Policy in Practice. The software platform will bring together multiple datasets thus providing a more holistic view of households and valuable insights which will help maximise resident’s income and reduce their costs.

The initial 12-month pilot seeks to contribute to addressing the £68m worth of unclaimed benefits in Pembrokeshire each year, according to estimated figures from Policy in Practice.

This includes a high number of people not claiming recurring payments such as Child Benefit, Pension Credit and Carers Allowance, for example.

Through LIFT, Pembrokeshire County Council will be able to identify those eligible for support but not claiming their full entitlements across Pembrokeshire.

Through the campaigns, if someone is identified as eligible for assistance that they are not accessing a letter will be sent out detailing what support they are missing out on and advice how to make a claim.

“You do not need to contact us to be part of this process, all residents on our database will automatically be included,” said a spokesperson for the Local Authority.

“UK Government figures suggest that in Wales alone around £117m worth of Pension Credit money is left unclaimed each year. Insights such as this have helped us select our initial campaign, set to run over the Summer period, which will focus on Pension Credit.

“Pension Credit is an important benefit for those who are eligible.”

As well as the direct payment received, claiming this entitlement also means you may be able to:

• Apply for a free TV licence if you’re 75 or over.

• Additional support with paying rent (if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit)

• Additional support for paying Council Tax (if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit)

• Receive cold weather payments

• Receive the Winter Fuel Payment

• Get help with NHS costs if you get the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit. This can include things like dental and optical treatment support and transport costs for hospital appointments.

Cllr Tessa Hodgson, Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “By working in collaboration with Policy in Practice we will effectively identify those who are eligible for financial assistance, proactively contacting residents to alert them regarding support they could be missing out on.

“We will raise awareness of unclaimed benefits and also target residents about the savings they may be able to claim – ultimately increasing household income for those who are currently missing out on crucial payments.

“Pension Credit is just the start for us, a number of targeted campaigns are being designed with wider services, such as Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire and Public Health Wales, in a joint effort to maximise income for local households.”

Should you have general queries about whether there is additional support available for your household, or to check if you are claiming everything you are entitled to, you can contact Advice Link Cymru on 0800 702 2020.

Alternatively you can visit their website for more information on the ‘Claim What’s Yours Campaign’ https://advicelinkcymru.org.uk/

If you require more information on available financial assistance, or need support to make a claim, please see some key contact information below.

Useful links:

· Claim What’s Yours: 0800 702 2020 https://advicelinkcymru.org.uk/

· Age Cymru Dyfed- 03333 447 874 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cymru/dyfed/

· Citizens Advice Pembrokeshire: 01437 806070 https://www.pembscab.org/

· Community Hub: 01437 723660 https://pembrokeshirecommunityhub.org.uk