By Lucy Ashton
MP Douglas McAllister is urging retired people to check whether they are entitled to extra benefits as £3.7 million of Pension Credit cash goes unclaimed in West Dunbartonshire.
Figures from anti-poverty outfit Policy in Practice, suggest that around 1,664 claims are outstanding in the council area, worth £3,773,509.
Crucially, successful Pension Credit claims unlock additional benefits for the poorest pensioners, including the Winter Heating Payment.
Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit available to anyone who has reached State Pension Age (normally 66) and has a weekly income of less than £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples.
Even if you are retired and your weekly income is higher than these amounts, you could still claim Guarantee Credit if you’re a carer, have a severe disability or in the event you have certain housing costs, such as service charges or if you are responsible for a child who lives with you.
Having savings, a pension or owning a home are not necessarily a barrier to receiving Pension Credit, despite popular myth.
To be eligible for the Winter Heating Payment in Scotland, pensioners must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit during the period between November 4th to 10th.
It comes after the UK’s new Labour government pledged a commitment to retain the Pensions Triple Lock over the next five years – which will see the state pension rise annually by either 2.5%, inflation, or average earnings growth – whichever is the highest figure.
Claiming Pension Credit alone can be worth on average £3,900 a year alone for those eligible.
New West Dunbartonshire MP Douglas McAllister, pictured right, urged pensioners to check whether they qualify, saying: “Data suggests that more than 1600 people who are eligible for Pension Credit in West Dunbartonshire are not claiming.
“It is imperative that those eligible get the support they need to see them through winter and that is why I am urging pensioners in my constituency to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit.
“There is no harm in asking.”
Benefits advice is available from West Dunbartonshire Council’s Working 4 U team and further information is available on their service online at: https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/how-do-you-access-our-service/
The UK Government’s Pension Credit Claim Line is available on 0800 99 1234, with further information online at: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau can also offer advice, available by calling: 0800 484 0136 or online at: https://www.wdcab.co.uk/contact-us/
Really! You’re better than this Bill! Dougie voted to end winter fuel allowance and this is what he’s come back from London with! What’s he going to say after the budget?
This statement was issued by the MP’s office. I think we have pointed out time and again that he backed the motion to scrap the winter fuel allowance – and criticised that and all the things he didn’t do while he was Provost. It’s your turn now to comment and readers of The Democrat have all the space in the world in which to do that.