Local MSP Stuart McMillan and older person’s charity Independent Age are hosting an event on Friday 15 November to help older people find out whether they could be entitled to Pension Credit, a weekly additional income on top of their state pension.
The event will be held from 11am until 2pm at 7 ½ John Wood Street, Port Glasgow, PA14 5HU. Organisations that support older people will be on hand to provide advice, give out guides, and information about Pension Credit and other benefits, including in a private space to ensure confidentiality if required.
Pension Credit is a financial top-up for those over State Pension age, usually with an income of under £218.15 if you’re single or £332.95 in a couple. As well as an increased weekly income for those eligible, older people can receive other entitlements such as Housing Benefit, free dental and glasses and a free TV License for those over 75.
In addition, people who claim Pension Credit before 21 December 2024 and can successfully backdate their claim by three months to the qualifying week of 16 – 22 September can receive Winter Fuel Payment, which is between £200 and £300 to help pay heating bills in the winter.
Older people who think they may be eligible for Pension Credit, can apply directly online through gov.uk or through the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. They can also come along to Stuart’s event on 15th November and find out about their entitlement and receive help to apply.
Organisations in attendance will be Independent Age, Age Scotland, Advice Direct Scotland, and Social Security Scotland. Attendees will be able to speak to people about Pension Credit and other support they may be entitled to, including advice on ways to reduce your energy bills.
Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said:
“We know that times have been tough for lots of people for the last few years. We want to encourage any older person who is worried about their finances this winter to come along on Friday. Discreet and trained advisors will be on hand to talk you through what support could be available. On average, Pension Credit entitles you to an additional over £3,000 a year, and even if you only receive an additional one pence a week, you could be entitled to valuable additional benefits.”
Stuart McMillan MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde said:
“I have held many cost of living surgeries over the past few years, but this is the first time that I’ve teamed up with Independent Age to try to offer targeted advice and support to older people in Inverclyde.
“This is especially important given the UK Government’s decision to scrap the universality of the Winter Fuel Payment – and why I am committed to try to increase the uptake of Pension Credit locally – as this is now a qualifying payment for the Winter Fuel Payment.
“Independent Age estimates that £3.6 million in Pension Credit is going unclaimed annually in my constituency by 1,590 pensioner households. That’s vital income that could be in pensioner’s pockets to help them this winter.
“I therefore hope that Independent Age, along with other advice organisations attending on the day, will be able to provide older constituents with the information they need to try to apply for Pension Credit – or other financial support that could be available to them, such as Attendance Allowance.”
Fiona Cross, Director for Advice, Support and Community Services at Age Scotland said:
“The removal of the Winter Fuel Payment will have a serious impact on huge numbers of older people on low incomes but either not yet claiming Pension Credit or just over the threshold for eligibility. We want to make sure older people receive every pound of financial support or social security they are due to help them manage their increasing bills this winter and beyond. Our helpline advisers can help identify what they might be missing and how to claim it.”
