October 2026 – There’s no need to pay for advice 

Background

Age UK Salford and Trafford, Citizens Advice Salford and Citizens Advice SORT want to encourage local older people to seek free advice and support. This includes checking eligibility, providing information or completing forms.

Older people can be particularly vulnerable to scams, with some companies charging for help that should be available at no cost.

It has come to light through benefit support and form completion services that several local older people have been targeted and have paid for help that should be available free of charge.

Collectively, we need to ensure that older people are aware that they do not need to pay for advice or for help completing application forms.

The message

Many people are unaware that they may be entitled to benefits such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Council Tax Reduction and other forms of financial support that could help improve their quality of life.

The reality is that 1 in 8 older people rely on the State Pension as their main or only source of income. For many, this is not enough to live on. As local organisations, we can offer information and support to help ease financial pressures.

We encourage anyone who needs support to check their eligibility, understand their options, complete forms or make a claim to turn to trained advisers to guide them through the process. Importantly, there is no need to pay for this help, as expert support is available free of charge.

We understand that benefits forms and application processes are often overwhelming, which is why this help is available.

As winter approaches, we want to ensure that no older person misses out on income or financial assistance they may be entitled to. Even if they have savings, they may qualify for certain benefits and support schemes.

Launch timings

With immediate effect. As we approach the winter months, older people may be feeling more anxious about their finances.

How can you support the campaign?

Please help us spread the word. 

We believe this campaign will have a positive impact by helping local older people access expert support free of charge.

Please share the poster on social media, noticeboards and other display areas.

Please use your social media channels to spread the word and share or re-share posts from Age UK Salford and Trafford.

If you’re able, please create news stories on your platforms and websites.

Resources available:

A flyer is attached.

Information about help that’s available in Salford and Trafford

Contacts for information, help and appointments. 

📞 Age UK Salford and Trafford: 0161 788 7300 (Eccles)

📞 Age UK Salford and Trafford: 0161 746 3940 (Urmston)

📞 Age UK National Helpline: 0800 678 1602

📞 Citizens Advice Salford: 0808 278 7802

📞 Citizens Advice SORT (Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale, Trafford: 0808 278 7803)

📞 Emmaus Salford: 0161 737 8279

📞 Broughton Trust: 0161 831 9807

📞 CommUnity Little Hulton: 0161 637 7780

📞 Salford Loaves and Fishes 0161 737 8775

📞 Salford City Council Welfare Rights 0800 345 7375

📞 The Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre 0161 789 2999