Advice Direct Scotland is urging people to check their benefits entitlement after it emerged hundreds of thousands of low-income households are missing out on key support from Pension Credit.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a dedicated ‘Day of Action’ on June 15 to raise awareness about the benefit which could see older married couples receive up to £278.70 each week and those living on their own, up to £182.60.
The DWP said that an estimated £1.7 billion of available Pension Credit has gone unclaimed across the UK, amounting to around £1,900 on average for each eligible household. The DWP also highlighted that seven out of 10 people who are eligible for the gateway benefit claimed it.
Consumer champion Martin Lewis joined forces with the DWP to encourage nearly one million older people to check if they qualify
The founder of MoneySavingExpert.com explained: “My simple rule of thumb is if you (or someone you know) are aged 66 or older, and have total income of under roughly £200 a week, get online or call the Pension Credit claim line to see if you’re due a payment that can be as much as £3,300 a year.
“I’m not saying everyone will get it, but many will, and it only takes a few minutes to find out. So don’t stall, just call.”
Martin added: “Not only is this serious money, it’s also often a gateway entitlement that means you’re due a range of other support, such as Council Tax reductions, the £650 extra energy funding help, Warm Home Discount, housing benefit, dental and optical treatments and, for the over-75s, a free TV licence.”
Advice Direct Scotland has a free online calculator tailored specifically for Scotland, which allows people to check their entitlement to both reserved and devolved benefits.
It also gives information on where to receive housing advice, Council Tax discounts, and what support is available from local authorities.
Colin Mathieson, spokesperson for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “The cost of living has increased for everyone over the last few months, with budgets being stretched to breaking point for many.
“There are practical things we can do to try and improve our situation when faced with increasing costs. Many Scottish citizens are not claiming the full benefits that they are entitled to.”
You can check your entitlement to support, including Scottish devolved benefits using the benefits calculator available at www.advice.scot.
To keep up to date with the latest benefits news, join our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group here, follow Record Money on Twitter here, or subscribe to our twice weekly newsletter here.
