22nd October 1999

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The first ever independent survey of how pensioners in Northern Ireland are managing financially has been announced.

More than 2000 people will be surveyed by researchers at the University of Ulster and Queen's University, Belfast as part of their joint Life and Times Survey, which is looking at various aspects of life in the province.

It is hoped the survey, which will explore a variety of issues around the subject of pensions, will provide for the first time a reliable picture of exactly what people are doing in terms of pension provision.

The questions have been drawn up by leading benefits advisor Professor Eileen Evason. She has urged all those approached by the university researchers to take part in the survey.

"In Britain, it is estimated that one million pensioners may be entitled to further help from the benefits system but there is no data to tell us whether or not this is the case in Northern Ireland.

"A major purpose of these questions is to find out if pensioners are getting all the help to which they are entitled. Where it looks like people should be claiming help but aren't, we will provide help and advice."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk