Sefton Council has identified 80 pensioners across the borough who are set to receive an extra £370,000 in yearly income after a review of their benefits. This project, announced in March 2026, aimed to find residents who were entitled to financial help but were not currently claiming it.
The local authority used a data system called the Low Income Family Tracker (LIFT) to find households in Sefton that were likely missing out on support. Officials then sent letters to these residents to help them complete their applications for Pension Credit.
The identified residents will now receive a combined £370,000 in regular annual payments. In addition to the yearly boost, the council found that £76,400 in backdated payments was also owed, bringing the total amount of support for the group to more than £446,000.
Cllr Liz Dowd, the cabinet member whose responsibilities include welfare rights, said the scheme puts money directly into the pockets of people who need it most. Claiming this benefit also acts as a gateway to other support, such as help with council tax, winter fuel payments, and dental costs.
This initiative follows a similar programme that used data to find children who were eligible for free school meals. By bridging the gap between what people are owed and what they claim, the council hopes to help residents manage their living costs more effectively.
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