by BILL HEANEY
Independent Age and Jackie Baillie MSP are urging older people in Dumbarton Constituency to find out whether they could be eligible for support.
Research shows that huge sums are not being paid to almost 200,000 older people across Scotland who are eligible for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.
Older people on a low income in Dumbarton Constituency are missing out on an estimated £1,940,546 of Pension Credit each year.
National charity for older people in financial hardship, Independent Age, and local MSP Jackie Baillie are urging people to check and seek advice in case they are not receiving everything they are entitled to.
An estimated 1,921 (13%) older people in Dumbarton Constituency currently live in poverty, while 6,057 (41%) have cut back on heating and 2,216 (15%) have skipped meals.
Independent Age recently released research which shows that, across Scotland, full take-up of three key financial entitlements could put an average of £1,700 into the pockets of 200,000 low-income pensioners.
Currently, £346 million is being missed out on each year across Scotland: £143 million in Pension Credit, £139 million in Housing Benefit and £64 million in Council Tax Reduction.
Jackie Baillie MSP, right, said: “These figures are deeply concerning. At a time when so many older people are struggling with the cost of living, it is worrying that £1,940,546 in Pension Credit is going unclaimed in Dumbarton Constituency every year.
“No older person should have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table, yet we know that far too many are facing these difficult decisions.
“Pension Credit and other financial support can make a real difference, but many people simply do not realise they are entitled to help.
“I would encourage older people across Dumbarton, the Vale of Leven and Helensburgh and Lomond, to check what support they may be eligible for. Even if you think you might not qualify, it is always worth checking.”
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “Older people across Dumbarton are missing out on the support they are due. We know this can sometimes be due to common myths about eligibility criteria or application processes feeling daunting or acting as a barrier.
“That’s why it’s vital older people across Scotland know of the organisations they can turn to for independent advice and support.
“From the stress caused by not knowing if you will be able to keep up with rising bills to not being able to turn on the heating in the winter, we know living on a low income can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing.
“We urge any older person who is unsure of what they might be entitled to, or is worried about rising bills, to get in touch with us at Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 for free, confidential advice.”
Older people can apply for Pension Credit directly through the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and for Council Tax Reduction and Housing Benefit through their local council.
Independent Age also has a free helpline through which older people can receive a full and confidential check of their entitlements, and support to apply, at no charge.
The number is 0800 319 6789, and the helpline is available Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5.30 pm.