DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR COST-OF-LIVING PAYMENT
SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed and Age Scotland are urging low-income pensioners in Stirling to act quickly to claim for Pension Credit before this Sunday’s deadline to avoid losing out on an extra £324 cost of living payment.
Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, can carry out a benefits check through their helpline on 0800 12 44 222. It is also possible to check eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator
Pension Credit can top up pensioners’ weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner. Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions before 18 December, 2022 will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum as Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time.
Evelyn Tweed, SNP MSP for Stirling said:
“With growing numbers of people struggling with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure you are receiving everything to which you are entitled.
“Every year in Scotland, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people and I would encourage people to call Age Scotland’s helpline to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit or make an application directly via the gov.uk website as soon as possible.”
Age Scotland interim chief executive Michelle Supple 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.”
If you receive Pension Credit, you have access to additional support:
· A one-off payment of £150 (previously £140) through the Warm Home Discount Scheme to help with the cost of energy this winter
· A £50 payment in February to help with heating costs
· Help with Council Tax and rent
· Reduced water bills
· Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital
· A free TV licence (if over-75)
· An extra amount of Pension Credit for some carers worth up to £38.85 a week
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