Pensioners in the Borders are being urged to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which would unlock thousands of pounds of extra income.
Pension Credit is a top up for the most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,300 per year. As well as a cash top up to the State Pension, it is a passport to a suite of other benefits.
This includes things like a free TV licence for over 75s, a council tax reduction, access to warm home discount, housing benefit, cold weather payments, and insulation and boiler grants from your energy company.
In the Borders there are around 2,300 Pension Credit claimants according to the Department for Work and Pensions. However, it is thought that around 25% of people across the UK who are eligible do not claim it.
This could mean that there are hundreds of people in the Borders who are missing out on thousands of pounds from the UK Government.
The UK Government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.
Pensions Minister, Guy Opperman MP, has written to local newspapers across the country and the DWP has sent leaflets to 11 million pensioners.
Pension Credit can be claimed online, by telephone or by post. Information is available on Gov.UK website www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.
John Lamont MP said:
“There are hundreds of pensioners across the Scottish Borders who are likely to be due thousands of pounds from the UK Government, as well as a host of other benefits, because they do not claim Pension Credit.
“Altogether, this could mean that Borderers are losing out on millions of pounds.
“As rising inflation continues to hit people’s pockets, this could really make a difference to hundreds of households across our area.
“It is welcome that well over 2000 people already claim this benefit in the Borders, but I want to see this number grow even more.”
Guy Opperman MP, Minister for Pensions added:
“Pension Credit provides a vital income ‘top up’ for some of our most vulnerable pensioners – worth more than £3,300 on average.
“The good news is the latest figures show take-up is at the highest level since 2010 and around 1.4 million pensioners currently receive it. But there is much more to do to reach those who could claim but don’t.
“That’s why I’m working hard to ensure everybody knows where to get extra help to which they are entitled.”
