Age: Poverty + income

Question 1

How are the elderly affected by poverty ?

Answer 1

• 2.1 million pensioners live in poverty (18%)
• Poverty among the elderly has been described as living in the dark ages as they can’t afford electricity
• Fuel poverty = they need to spend a lot of money on heating bills
• Some elderly have to choose between heating and eating

Question 2

How are children affected by poverty ?

Answer 2

• 4.3 million children are in relative poverty after housing costs
• Highest level of poverty is in the west midlands
• These children have less life chances because they don’t have access to items such as computers

Question 3

What is the winter fuel allowance, who can get it and how much do you get ?

Answer 3

• helps the elderly pay for their heating bills
• You can get it if you were born before 23rd September 1958 and receive pension credit, income support etc
• Anywhere from £100 - £300