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.
“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/