Moray councillor urges pensioners to check Pension Credit eligibility
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WITH winter on the horizon, a Moray councillor is urging eligible pensioners to make sure they are claiming pension credit.
Councillor Sonya Warren (Buckie, SNP) has highlighted that many OAPs having needlessly to make unenviable choices between switching on their heating or putting food on the table.
She said: "Winter can be a difficult time for many pensioners.
"The Rowntree Foundation estimates that there are in the region of two million pensioners across the UK who are living in poverty.
"For many of them, winter brings with it the harsh choice between heating and eating.
"However, around £3 billion worth of Pension Credit lies unclaimed each year, money which could make a huge difference to a great many of our pensioners.
"Apart from the obvious boost to a pensioner's income claiming Pension Credit can bring, it's also worthwhile noting that it can act as a gateway to other benefits depending on the claimant's individual circumstances. These include Housing Benefit and Council Tax Relief plus help with things like energy bills.
"I'd urge every pensioner to check whether they're eligible for Pension Credit, even if they may think at the moment they won't be."
Visit https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility to check for Pension Credit eligibility.
Pension Credit is separate from the state pension. OAPs can get Pension Credit even if they have other income, savings or own their own home.
It tops up weekly income to £177.10 for single pensioners and joint weekly income to £270.30 if they have a partner.
