Yes, but does it really work for older people?
A series of focus groups with older people and advisers has already taken place and any changes that were identified through those groups have been fully implemented. This includes making the calculator more user-friendly. Once an older person has completed the Benefit Calculator, they will get an anonymised printout of the final report. This will let them know what benefits they may be entitled to, based on the information that they put in to the calculator. It will also contain a unique reference number and details of a local advice agency which is also taking part in the pilot. They can, if they wish, then take this information to the advice agency and their information can be retrieved using the reference number. The adviser can check the information and assist the older person to apply for any benefits identified.
