Older people in Angus are missing out on more than £1m of Pension Credit
Older people on a low income in Angus North and Mearns are missing out on an estimated £1,399,162 of Pension Credit each year, according to new figures.
National charity for older people in financial hardship, Independent Age, and local MSP Dawn Black MSP urge people to check, and seek advice, in case they are not receiving everything they’re entitled to.
Independent Age said that an estimated 2,004 (13%) older people in Angus North and Mearns currently live in poverty. They also shared that an estimated 6,319 (41%) older people cut back on heating and 2,312 (15%) have skipped meals.
The charity 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.
Older people can apply for Pension Credit directly through the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), 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, for no charge.
The number for this is 0800 319 6789 and can be accessed between Monday and Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm.
Ms Black said: “With winter fast approaching and energy costs soaring, our elderly community are at a higher risk of fuel poverty. There is help available that people can utilise to mitigate the rising costs that are forcing people to choose between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
“The work of Independent Age is putting money back in the pockets of those older people in our communities. I have met with them to discuss the inequality happening across Angus North and Mearns and how we can genuinely work to lower these statistics. I commend their work to empower those who are struggling in their later years.
“With so many unclaimed pension credits, there may be a lot of elderly people who are struggling when they do not need to. The phoneline is free to access and the team are equipped to help with advice and getting you in touch with the right people.”
Debbie Horne, Scotland policy and public affairs manager at Independent Age said: “Older people 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.
“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, we know living on a low income can have a serious impact on health and well-being.
“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.”