anyone else seen this about Iceland supermarket???

Sadly, it's behind a paywall. Could you give us some idea of what it's about? A short copy and paste would do

yes i can just find it to copy one moment - i tried ringing the number for the iceland and kinly support team 0330 053 2617 and they were very helpful

Thanks.

Iceland launches new service to help shoppers claim DWP benefits
Iceland shoppers aged 66 and over can access the service by a free helpline, where they will be put through to advisers from Kinly
celand has launched a free benefits service to help shoppers check and claim financial support that they may be missing out on.

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Iceland shoppers aged 66 and over can access the service by calling 0330 053 2617 for free, where they will be put through to advisers from Kinly, a UK benefits support organisation.

The helpline will check which Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits customers may be entitled for, as well as offer support with completing application forms. Shoppers who have used the Benefits Boost service so far have seen an average annual increase of around £5,000.

The supermarket estimates more than 7,500 people will benefit from the campaign, with the potential to unlock over £37million in additional income.

It comes as many older people continue to miss out on benefits and allowances that could help with everyday costs.

Government estimates show that only 62% of those entitled to Pension Credit received it in the last financial year.

For 80% of older people, the application process is the main barrier to them claiming the support they are entitled to.

Richard Walker, Executive Chairman of Iceland Foods, said: “At Iceland, we see every day how hard household budgets are being squeezed, particularly for older customers on fixed incomes.

“What makes this issue so frustrating is that some people may be missing out on support they are already entitled to.

“Benefits Boost is about making it easier for older customers to check, get help with the process, and claim what may already be theirs. This is practical, simple and could make a real difference to people’s lives.

“It has been great to partner with the Rothesay Foundation on this campaign given its commitment to empowering older people in need, with its funding helping thousands of people access vital financial support.”

Benefits Boost is backed by a £1.8million commitment from the Rothesay Foundation.

Tallulah Woods, Campaigns Manager at the Rothesay Foundation, said: “The Rothesay Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people in need which is why we’ve committed £1.8 million to this important partnership with Iceland to help as many pensioners as possible claim the crucial state benefits that they are entitled to.

“Too many older people are missing out on financial support that could help them live more securely and independently because they’re struggling to navigate the application process.

"This partnership is designed to make it easier for people to understand what they may be entitled to and get help claiming it.

“The Benefits Boost service is free, confidential and delivered by real experts who will help you through the process in a friendly and practical way.”

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sorry quite long lol but actually interesting read

i didn't think i would be eligible for anything and actually they said they would be able to help

CallMeQueenie

i didn't think i would be eligible for anything and actually they said they would be able to help

Would be interested to hear how they could help you? I’m sure we all say that we are not entitled and wouldn’t call.
Would you please report back (obviously without compromising your financial records)
When I claimed Attendance Allowance for OH,the amount of paperwork needed was vast. It took me days.
Hope they can help with this part of the process.

I like the ethos of Iceland’s boss (can’t recall his name, it’ll come to me in about 3 hours 😁).

yes RIchard Walker I think, i've just been readig about his work with cost of living - interesting stuff

In case anyone doesn’t know, they offer 10% off for pensioners, on Fridays, I think. There is quite of lot of rubbish in the shop but also a decent range of straightforward food. Their fresh, frozen fish and vegetable selection is very good.

yes I have a local ICeland down the road and it's on Tuesdays here. thanks for posting CallMeQueenie - i'm going to give them a call this afternoon i think, as you said you never know!!!

CallMeQueenie

sorry quite long lol but actually interesting read

It is interesting. The family seem to have a strong wish to help. Didn't the son try to get into politics?

CallMeQueenie, there are odd payments people make that can tip you into Pension Credit because they get deducted from income. Also Attendance Allowence is really difficult to understand (a least, I have found it is). Its quite a time since I did these for my mother and wouldnt likecto do the eithout help now. If you have something obvious and on your health records like Incontinence or Alzheimers AA is easier but having someone who knows what the questions are actually asking would make it a lot easier. I hope they can help.

my guilty pleasure are the frozen sausage rolls...

There’s a lot of publicity about checking if you’re eligible for Pension Credit. If anyone can’t check for themselves there are sources of help.
Iceland is gaining publicity by suggesting most old people are stupid.

YorkLady

CallMeQueenie

i didn't think i would be eligible for anything and actually they said they would be able to help

Would be interested to hear how they could help you? I’m sure we all say that we are not entitled and wouldn’t call.
Would you please report back (obviously without compromising your financial records)
When I claimed Attendance Allowance for OH,the amount of paperwork needed was vast. It took me days.
Hope they can help with this part of the process.

I will definitely keep you all posted on this and hopefully it may help someone else too!

DaisyAnneReturns

CallMeQueenie

sorry quite long lol but actually interesting read

It is interesting. The family seem to have a strong wish to help. Didn't the son try to get into politics?

CallMeQueenie, there are odd payments people make that can tip you into Pension Credit because they get deducted from income. Also Attendance Allowence is really difficult to understand (a least, I have found it is). Its quite a time since I did these for my mother and wouldnt likecto do the eithout help now. If you have something obvious and on your health records like Incontinence or Alzheimers AA is easier but having someone who knows what the questions are actually asking would make it a lot easier. I hope they can help.

oh this is interesting thank you DaisyAnneReturns! I had one look at the attendance Allowence form and thought i definitely should ask for help it would be much easier and as you said they know exactly what the questions are asking!!

When I claimed Attendance Allowance for OH,the amount of paperwork needed was vast. It took me days. (YorkLady).

I think you just have to go with the fact that it's a legal process. That's the only way to tackle it and stay sane. One thing I notice is there are more companies (solicitors) offering help with the extremely difficult NHS Continuing Health Care. You have to pay the solicitors but there will be a vast saving on care homes, hospices or even within your own home once you have it.

Before anyone gets too excited you have to need the care for a Primary Health Care need. "Primary Health Care need" is not defined in law and does not appear in legislation so you can see where the difficulties might lay.

CallMeQueenie If you decide to go for AA I would pull together all your evidence first.

Remember you would be applying for Personal Independence Allowance if you were still of working age. Independence is what they are looking at and that can be provided by a person or a thing.

If it's a "thing" - grab rails, wet room, walker, or other gadgets that help (whether supplied by you or the council) it's worth referencing them and, if you have receipts, copying them. You should also include paid or family help. Getting someone to check it or go over it first is real peace of mind.

.

Tuesdays!!
.

Iceland would be better off letting their delivery drivers help their elderly and disabled home delivery customers by carrying their shopping ‘in bags’ and into their homes. A relative of mine is a delivery person and they were told off by management for doing this. Drivers are DBS checked and trained so why aren’t they allowed to help instead of having to stand and watch a 90 year old customer with a walking frame trying to unload all of their shopping out of crates!!

Regarding bringing shopping into the home, Waitrose and Sainsburys both do this for me and I appreciate it so much as I have arthritis. They suggested it to.me and it's on my details so happens each time whoever the driver is. It's strange that Iceland don't do it.

Hope no one tells husband there is 10% off on Fridays He is a compulsive shopper. The cupboards are full of stuff we don’t really eat regularly

Basgetti, the 10% discount is for Tuesdays. I always buy my fish from Iceland as the fish is frozen on the boat.

It may be more helpful to retired people. If Iceland were to offer some genuine discounts on some of their essential products. Maybe on certain days of the week.

I know in the past they have reduced
discount prices on certain days a products . And this may still hold.

But maybe they could extend this scheme to some kind of loyalty card. I know this costs money to set up. But the DWP do send a letter to people who get Pension Credit every year before the April Increase to inform them of the yearly rate increase amount. Maybe a copy of this letter would be proof for existing customers

I think that Iceland mean well. But giving advise on Pension Credit and over benefits has been picked up by lots of organisations and Charities.
Well it has where l live anyway.

Hope that they get something sorted