For immediate release
BEGINS
A national charity for older people in financial hardship, Independent Age, and local MSP, Clare Haughey, have urged older people in Rutherglen and Cambuslang to find out whether they could be eligible for financial support.
Research has shown that huge sums are not being paid to almost 200,000 older people across Scotland who are eligible for Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, and Council Tax Reduction. 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.
In the Rutherglen and Cambuslang constituency alone, older people on a low income are missing out on an estimated £2.95m of Pension Credit each year.
With an estimated 13% of older people in the constituency currently living in poverty, Independent Age and the MSP are urging people to check, and seek advice, in case they aren’t receiving everything they’re entitled to.
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 South Lanarkshire 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.
Commenting, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said:
“Older people across Rutherglen and Cambuslang 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. That’s why it’s vital older people across Scotland know of the organisations they can turn to for independent advice and support.
“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 in the winter, we know living on a low income can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing.
“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.”
Clare Haughey added:
“I would like to thank Independent Age for all the work that they do to advocate for older people in our communities, and for the advice and support that they provide.
“No one should miss out on financial support they are entitled to, particularly at a time when many older people are facing pressure from the cost of everyday essentials.
“The amount of Pension Credit going unclaimed in our constituency is concerning, and I want to make sure that no one misses out simply because they are unaware of the help available.
“I would encourage any older person who is unsure whether they qualify to take a few minutes to check. It could make a real difference to their finances and help ensure they receive the support they are entitled to.”
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