LIVE - The magazine for Optivo residents Summer 2017 | Page 12

SUSSEX
news
Each year hundreds of millions of pounds
worth of benefits goes unclaimed because
people don’t know what they’re entitled to.
Did you know Optivo can support
you with a benefit claim?
Resident, Thomas Smith, from Bognor Regis,
was unaware that he was entitled to an added
disability premium on his Pension Credits.
The sum is eligible to individuals living
on their own, not claiming a carer’s
allowance, and in receipt of an appropriate
rate of a linking disability benefit.
It had gone unclaimed for 13 years. But
with the help of Nigel Wicks, from the
Financial Inclusion team, he’s received
a substantial back-dated payment.
For benefits information speak
to our Financial Inclusion Team.
Mr Smith, 72, said: “I had absolutely no idea and I
think a lot of my generation are in the same boat.
We simply don’t know what we’re entitled to; we
just take what we’re given without any questions.”
Tel: [phone]
Email: www.optivo.org.uk/contactus
Nigel added: “It’s really satisfying when I’m able
to help make a difference to our residents’ lives .
A good neighbour can make a huge difference in
a community and we want to take a moment to
recognise those who have gone the extra mile.
Great grandmother
Daphne Towler, 78,
has shown fantastic
support to residents at
Servite House retirement
home in Bognor Regis.
Quick thinking Diane Moore (left) and
Richard Busson (right), from Benizi Court,
Bognor Regis, dashed to neighbour Rob
Pullen’s (centre) aid when he was suffering
life-threatening breathing problems.
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