Chris Law MP has joined leading charity Age Scotland in urging low-income pensioners across Dundee to act quickly and put in a claim for Pension Credit before the Sunday 18 December 2022 deadline, to avoid losing out on an extra £324 cost of living payment.
The national charity for older people, Age Scotland, can help identify if someone is eligible for Pension Credit and offer advice on applying by calling their helpline on 0800 12 44 222, where advisers can carry out a full benefits check, or check eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator.
Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra income and other helpful support. It can top up their weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner, as well as cutting council tax bills, helping with energy costs, and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75.
Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions before 18 December will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum financial support payment. This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.
Dundee West MP Chris Law said:
“Estimates suggest that there are still hundreds of pensioners in Dundee who are eligible for Pension Credit but do not receive it.
“Every year hundreds of millions of pounds of Pension Credit payments go unclaimed by older people, and with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure that you are receiving everything that your entitled to.
“Age Scotland are working to ensure that those who are currently missing out finally receive what they are due – I would encourage anyone who thinks they may be eligible to either call Age Scotland’s helpline or make an application directly to the UK Government as soon as possible.”
Michelle Supple, Age Scotland’s interim chief executive, said:
“Pension Credit is not only an essential benefit, but it opens the door to much more additional support including help with energy bills in the winter, a free TV licence for over-75s, help with rent and council tax reduction, free dental care and reduced water bills.
“We are urging all pensioners on a low income to act quickly and start the application process or call our helpline 0800 12 44 222 for advice. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on extra cost of living support, especially with Christmas around the corner.”
Applications for Pension Credit can be made by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234, or online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim
Chris Law 