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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 9h

Are you interested in getting expert information delivered straight to your inbox? 📬 Twice a month, we'll share updates about our free information and advice for older people, as well as other ways Independent Age can help you. 🖊️ Sign up here: www.independentage.org/newsletter

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 13h

Director of Policy & Influencing @morganvine.bsky.social joined BBC Breakfast this AM to respond to the PM's proposal for a State Pension double lock. Every day we hear from older people struggling to make ends meet. With any changes, we must ensure pensioners have the income they need to live well

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Too often people in later life are left out of the conversation so we welcome the PM's acknowledgement of the issues facing older people on low incomes. With any triple lock changes, pensioners on low incomes now and in the future must not miss out. www.independentage.org/ceo-responds...

Screengrabs of Independent Age's reaction to Andy Burnham's speech read: "Before a double lock is implemented, we need to know that the UK Government has fully considered, and put in place protection for, older people on low incomes. Any changes that are made to the State Pension must ensure no current or future pensioners on a low income lose out. It is important to see action to tackle pensioner poverty directly. For instance, we would love to see a public take-up strategy to drive up the numbers receiving vital entitlements like Pension Credit and Housing Benefit. In the spirit of the Prime Minister's speech, everyone in this country needs to know they can rely on a strong social safety net if they reach older age without an adequate income."

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Suggestions today that the Prime Minister is considering reviewing the #triplelock. This is a divisive issue. At @independentage.bsky.social we would want to see a solid plan to tackle current and future #pensioner #poverty before money is taken away #lab26 #labconf26 #olderpeople #costofliving

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Fabian Society @thefabians.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

We at @independentage.bsky.social are at the party conferences talking to politicians about tackling poverty in later life. Our calls: * urgent energy bill support now * increase take up of social security * uprate Local Housing Allowance Read more: www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Happy birthday to acting legend Denis Lawson! Wishing you a wonderful day 💚 We're grateful for Denis' support in joining our calls for the Scottish and UK Governments to act on pensioner poverty. Take a look back at Denis' work in our video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NV_q3mveALQ…

Actor Denis Lawson sits in an empty room. He has a serious expression and looks into the camera. He's wearing a grey blazer with a dark green shirt beneath.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Did you hear @morganvine.bsky.social on the @resolutionfoundation.org podcast? As calls to scrap the triple lock grow louder, too often older people on low incomes are missing from the conversation. 🎧Listen here:https://open.spotify.com/episode/3U2JYGQr6cjlzVCHrX2Ad3?si=tmvRBVztQB2mAvDZCuIYug

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Independent Age... at the #LDConf in Brighton...with a giant tap. Thank you to everyone who stopped to learn about our call for a single social tariff on water bills. We want fairer water bills so no one is #TappedOut. www.independentage.org/about-us/cam…

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Independent Age is #hiring! We are looking for an Adviser (Scotland) to join our team. This role will be responsible for providing specialist support to older people, their families and carers through our advice service. Closes: 4 October jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.asp…

A blue graphic featuring an older man wearing glasses and smiling on the left hand side. On the right, text reads: We're recruiting... Adviser (Scotland)
jobs.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Independent Age is looking for a Trusts and Foundations Manager to join our team! If you are an exceptional relationship-builder, who can translate data into compelling funding propositions, this may be the role for you. Closes: 4 Oct jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.asp…

Pink graphic featuring an older woman wearing a turtle neck and glasses.

On the righthand, text reads: We're recruiting... Trusts and Foundations Manager
jobs.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Ensuring older people receive their entitlements would not only lift many out of poverty but also result in savings across health & social care spending The current system is failing older people but it doesn't have to www.independentage.org/policy-and-r…

Independent Age graphic, featuring text that reads: Increasing take-up of Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction could save up to £90 million a year across health and social care costs in Scotland. In the bottom corner, there is an icon of a medical clip board

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Did our giant tap at #LDConf grab your attention? 💧 Too many people in later life are rationing water because of unaffordable bills. We're calling for a single social tariff in England & Wales to change this. Join us and sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Join us at #Lab26 for our event with @thefabians.bsky.social CEO @joanna-elson.bsky.social will be joining the conversation on how we can improve retirement security and build a fairer approach to later life. 🗓️Mon 28 Sept ⏰1.45-2.45pm 📍Bluecoat, Liverpool fabians.org.uk/retiring-well

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We're at #LDConf with our GIANT tap to call for fairer water support Your postcode shouldn't decide if you can afford your water bills. A single water social tariff in England & Wales would lift older people out of poverty Sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

A giant silver tap sits on the Brighton promenade on a bright sunny day. "Fairer water bills so no one is #TappedOut" is written across the front while water bills emerge from the spout. A sign next to it has more information on the #TappedOut campaign. The sea can be seen behind along with the old Brighton pier.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

Drip…drip…drip… 💧 We’re taking our calls for a single water social tariff in England and Wales to the #LDConf in Brighton and we’re bringing something BIG 👀 Mon 21 Sept 10am – 3pm Outside the Brighton Centre campaigns.independentage.org/page/1…

A man wearing a protective helmet uses a welder on a large metal frame. He's in a workshop where equipment can be seen behind him.

A workbench holds several large items - a big piece of curved pipe, three black tubes with rounded ends and a black circular disc. There are pieces of sandpaper scattered around.

A close-up shows a corner of a workshop with wooden shelves. To the right, cut off by the image, is a grey cylinder with a curved lid and a smaller tube coming out.

A map of Brighton shows a blue water drop where the Independent Age stunt will be taking place. It's located on the promenade outside the Brighton Centre.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Too many people are missing out Pension Credit despite its potential to help with NHS costs, reduce Council Tax bills and more. While we continue to call for a take-up strategy, our expert advisers can help with applications. www.independentage.org/get-advice/m…

Text reads: Up to 1.2 million older people are missing out on Pension Credit, despite being eligible.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

We are #hiring! We are looking for a Head of Service Development to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Independent Age’s services and maximising our impact for older people facing financial hardship. Closes: 25 September jobs.independentage.org/Vacancy.asp…

A recruitment advertisement from Independent Age. On the left, a smiling elderly woman with short white hair sits outdoors, wearing a blue fleece jacket over a blue top. On the right, text reads: We're recruiting... Head of Services Development. jobs.independentage.org

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

It’s clear that the current system is failing too many older people. We know that poverty in later life can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing. That’s why it’s essential that everyone receives the support they’re entitled to. news.stv.tv/scotland/alm...

news.stv.tv

Almost 200,000 Scots missing out on £346m in benefits, charity warns

Research by Independent Age found older Scots failing to claim Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and council tax reduction.

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Third Force News @thirdforcenews.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

In this month’s magazine we take a deep dive into sector responses to the #ScottishGovernment’s #ProgrammeForGovernment and hears from @povertyalliance.org @oxfamscotland.bsky.social @endfuelpoverty.bsky.social @cpagscotland.bsky.social @independentage.bsky.social Read it all here: buff.ly/gZMa7sv

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

#PensionAwarenessWeek: The State Pension age is changing - are you ready to support the older people you work with? Our free training sessions will build your understanding of benefits in later life, giving you the skills to help older people. www.independentage.org/get-advice/t...

Text reads: The State Pension age is changing. The State Pension age will increase from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028. This will affect everyone born on or after 6 April 1960.

Text reads: How will it work? If you were born between 6 April 1960 and 5 March 1961: your State Pension age is rising from 66 to 66 plus a number of months, depending on your exact birth date. If you were born between 6 March 1961 and 5 April 1977: you'll reach State Pension age at 67.

Text reads: Looking ahead. Use the online UK Government calculator to check your State Pension age. There are plans to increase the State Pension age to 68 in the future.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

NEW RESEARCH: Almost 200,000 older people in Scotland are missing out on vital entitlements leaving them to cut back on basics to get by. Improving take-up would lift older people out of poverty and save £90M a year across health and social care costs. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

Text reads: Eligible older people in Scotland are missing out on £346 million worth of social security from Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Great to be on @moneybox.bsky.social with @paullewismoney.bsky.social discussing @independentage.bsky.social research on low take up of social security entitlements.We're urging UK Govt to publish a strategy so everyone gets the money they are entitled to. Listen: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The UK Govt can make a real difference in the Budget The Local Housing Allowance freeze leaves too many cutting back to plug the gap between support and rent. Ask your MP to join calls for LHA to reflect real rents and offer the support it's designed to: campaigns.independentage.org/page/200260/...

A row of coloured houses features one in grey. A quote from older renter Thomas reads: "The increases in rent over the past year have far outstripped the increases in pension... and because Housing Benefit is based upon an unrealistic rent, I now pay 60% to 70% of my income in rent alone."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Last week, our Policy, Grants & Influencing Directorate came together to step back from day-to-day priorities and focus on our plans for 2027. We are excited to take these plans forward and continue to work towards ending financial hardship in later life! www.independentage.org/about

Group of about 30 individuals from Independent Age smiling in a room.

Professionals listening attentively to a presentation.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

A huge good luck to our brilliant team taking on the #GreatNorthRun today! Your support is making a real difference for older people facing financial hardship. Find out how you can make a difference while taking on a challenge: www.independentage.org/support-us/f…

A man wearing an Independent Age running vest and a cap runs is in the middle of a crowd of runners focusing forward.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Increasing take-up of vital entitlements would lift 280,000 older people out of poverty. @morganvine.bsky.social spoke to @paullewismoney.bsky.social and BBC Money Box about why a take-up strategy is needed to make sure we all receive the support we need in later life. www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

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Morgan Vine @morganvine.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Did you hear @independentage.bsky.social on BBC Breakfast & the Today programme this morn? We are talking about the impact of low social security take up. As well as a massive impact on the individuals missing out, increasing take up to 100% could save the NHS & social care nearly a £billion a year

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

In his first few weeks as PM, Andy Burnham has said he is serious about providing the public with some much-needed “breathing space" from the cost-of-living crisis. But how will this impact older people facing financial hardship? Learn more in our new blog: indepedentage.medium.com/prime-minist...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Every week we hear from people like Steve who are struggling to get by and missing out on vital support. We're making a difference helping older people access their entitlements but the UK Govt must act to increase take-up of this vital support. www.independentage.org/poverty-late…

Steve is an older man sat in an armchair and holding a phone to his ear. He wears glasses and a striped polo shirt. A quote from him reads: "Before Independent Age helped me apply for Pension Credit and Attendance Allowance, I could only afford the cheapest food and my fridge was bare. Now I can buy fresh food and even treat myself at my local cafe occasionally."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Here's what your support made possible in 2025... 21,000 Helpline calls, emails and webchats answered ☎️ £7M identified in entitlements older people were missing out on 💰 Thousands of lives transformed 💚 Thank you! See your full impact: www.independentage.org/support-us/y…

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Patient Information Forum @pifonline.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

🌟 We are delighted that @independentage.bsky.social has just been re-certified with the PIF TICK. The PIF TICK is the only independently assessed trust mark for health information. Holding the PIF TICK means its health information is: - Evidence-based - Up-to-date - Easy to use and understand.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Water bill support shouldn't depend on your postcode💧 Jane Asher, Sheila Reid, Sue Holderness & Vincent Ebrahim support our call for a single water social tariff to provide consistent help for those who need it. Will you? Sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/187255/...

Photos of actors Jane Asher, Vincent Ebrahim, Sue Holderness and Sheila Reid sit at the bottom of a graphic. Text reads: Water isn't a luxury, it's an essential. Nobody should be forced to ration it. Jane Asher, Vincent Ebrahim, Sue Holderness and Sheila Reid have signed the #TappedOut petition for a national social tariff to support people on a low income with their water bills, will you?

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

How does Council Tax Reduction take-up compare in your area? The UK Govt must work with local authorities to increase take-up from just 1 in 2 older people and lift older households out of poverty. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r…

A map of Great Britain shows the level of Council Tax Reduction take-up across regions and nations by people over State Pension age. Areas are shaded in different tones of blue to demonstrate the different take-up levels - North East England has the highest level of take-up while regions in South England have the lowest.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

#InternationalDayOfCharity: Through our services, campaigns, grants and research, we're able to make a meaningful difference for older people facing financial hardship. You can help us be there for even more people in later life: www.independentage.org/support-us

Thabani, an older Black woman wearing glasses, smiles warmly. A quote from her reads: "I never knew times like this would come. Independent Age really helped me get my dignity back."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

There are rising numbers of older people struggling on incomes that fall short of recognised measures of minimum living standards. The Pensions Commission must lead to reforms that ensure we can all live well in later life. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r…

An anonymous quote from an older person reads: "I have a works pension that takes me above Pension Credit, yet I cannot afford dental treatment or new glasses. These sort of items are now luxuries I have to pay for. Life feels like a struggle."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

The support you receive shouldn't change because of who you love 💔 The unfair mixed-age couple rule is pushing older people into hardship, and it must change. #FixMixedAgeRule www.independentage.org/about-us/cam…

A large red heart sits inside a pale pink circle to look like a sweet. Text reads: 70,000 mixed-age couples are losing up to £7,000 a year.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

The Scottish Govt's commitments to maximise social security take-up hold real potential to boost incomes for the 1 in 8 Scottish pensioners living in poverty. But we need to see sustained action to make a meaningful difference and end poverty in later life. www.independentage.org/programme-fo...

A pink bank card is broken in half to illustrate a quote from an older Helpline caller based in Scotland which reads: "I've always got by, but now I'm really struggling. I'm by myself and having to pay for everything. So, there are things that I can't get anymore."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Looking to develop your skills and increase your confidence so that you can better help the older people you work with? Our free, professional training sessions are led by experts and cover the areas that matter in later life www.independentage.org/get-advice/t…

An anonymous quote from an Independent Age training participant reads: "Independent Age sessions are really valuable, giving us the knowledge we need to support those who need it the most to know what they are rightly entitled to."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Have you signed the #TappedOut petition? We're calling for a single social tariff to put an end to the unfair postcode lottery of support leaving too many in later life rationing their water usage Help shouldn't depend on where you live. campaigns.independentage.org/page/1…

A quote from an older person reads: "Where am I going to get the money from? ...It's bad enough worrying about fuel bills and food bills, without having water bills on top as well. It's a never-ending nightmare."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

There's a myth that all older people have mortgage-free homes but in reality, the number of older renters is growing and they're more likely to face poverty. The UK Govt can offer older renters greater security by uprating Local Housing Allowance. www.bigissue.com/opinion/pens...

bigissue.com

Record number of pensioners are facing homelessness. Here's why

The number of older households facing homelessness is now at a record high. Independent Age explains how renting is hitting pensioners.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

After a month in Number 10, what has Andy Burnham said on housing? One way he could make a meaningful difference is by restoring and reviewing Local Housing Allowance which currently leaves too many cutting basics to manage soaring rents each month. medium.com/independent-...

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The Ofgem announcement means that average annual energy bills will increase to £1,723 from October, heaping more pressure on the already stretched budgets of 1.7M older people living in poverty. We are urging the UK Govt to protect people on low incomes. www.independentage.org/news-media/p...

Anonymous quote from an older person reads: "My energy bills are costing me two weeks' worth of my State pension. It means I'm living off £35 a week for food."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The #CostOfLivingCrisis is still squeezing the budgets of older people living on a low income, leaving them balancing competing pressures and struggling to make ends meet. We need the UK Govt to recognise this serious, long-term issue and act. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

Text reads: 1 in 5 older people on a low income in Great Britain would find it difficult to cover an unexpected bill of £0 without borrowing money.

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Older private renters are often living in the oldest, coldest homes, trapped in fuel poverty. Our research shows that raising Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards could be transformative for older private renters but a tenant-centred approach is vital. www.independentage.org/policy-and-r...

A quote from Anna, 71 reads: "I would be grateful for any modernisation to save on my energy costs, but cannot afford any further rent increase."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

It's not always easy talking about money but it can make the biggest difference when you do. If you're worried about someone but don't know where to begin, take a look at our advice: www.independentage.org/get-advice/a…

Two speech bubbles illustrate a conversation. One says: "I just don't know how I'll cope." The other replies: "Things are hard but you're not alone. There is support out there."

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Independent Age @independentage.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

A single social tariff would end the postcode lottery of support forcing too many older people to ration water. Water companies and the UK Govt can make a difference where budgets are already stretched thin. Sign the #TappedOut petition: campaigns.independentage.org/page/1…

TV chef Rustie Lee grins warmly, with her head slightly tilted. She has short dark hair and wears a bright orange shirt with a beaded necklace. A quote from her reads: "More needs to be done to protect older people on low incomes from rising water bills. I hope for a future where nobody has to ration their water usage because their bills are too high."

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