Thousands of older Scots are missing out on pension credits they are legally entitled to, an SNP MP has warned.
Anne McLaughlin has written to Rishi Sunak to ask the Tory Chancellor to raise awareness of the issue at a time many people are already struggling due to the cost of living crisis.
The MP for Glasgow North East said those who did not claim pension credits were also more likely to have missed out on the £650 cost of living payment, which was announced by the UK Government in April.
She has urged the chancellor to consider extending the deadline for applying for the payment to March 31 next year.
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Take-up of pension credit has been low historically and it is estimated that 123,000 eligible households in Scotland are not claiming the payment.
McLaughlin said: "At a time when the Tory cost of living crisis is really hitting hard, it is vital that people are in receipt of everything that they are entitled to.
"In particular I am worried about our older people who simply cannot go without heating.
"I am calling on the Chancellor to extend the eligibility period to the end of the financial year so that anyone who successfully applies by the end of the winter, doesn’t miss out on this crucial £650 payment.
"That’s the most important thing in the short term but in the long term I think this will dramatically increase the number of people receiving what is, after all, their entitlement."
A spokesman for the DWP said: "We recognise the pressures pensioners are facing and all pensioner households will receive £300 to help them cover the rising cost of energy this winter, with those on Pension Credit getting a further £650 cost of living payment. This is in addition to the £150 council tax rebate and £400 discount on their energy bills.
"Pension Credit take-up is now at its highest level since 2010, and the full yearly amount of the basic State Pension is now more than £2,300 higher than it was in 2010."
Pension credit is a means-tested benefit for people over State Pension age designed to help with the cost of living.
It can be claimed if your weekly income is less than £182.60 if you are single or £278.70 for couples.
You can apply by calling the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
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