Pension credit is a top up payment distributed by the UK Government for people over state pension age who are on a low income.
Recent research by Age Scotland shows that 1,837 people in the Borders are claiming Pension Credit, while 1,225 people are entitled to this but are not claiming.
In light of this, Rachael Hamilton MSP is backing Age Scotland’s ‘Check in, Cash out’ campaign aiming to raise awareness and increase take-up of the support and available social security to help older people live well.
People can also use the Pension Credit calculator (https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator) to check if they are likely to be eligible and get an estimate of what they may receive. People wishing to claim Pension Credit can call 0800 99 1234 or can claim online.
Rachael Hamilton said:
“Pension Credit is an incredibly important support payment from the UK Government and I want to see the lack of awareness and stigma around the payment eliminated.
“Claiming Pension Credit is important as it passports the recipient to other forms of financial support to enable them to live well such as Council Tax Reduction and Cold Weather Payments. It could be a real lifeline to many Borderers, particularly given the difficulties the pandemic has posed.
“That is why I am backing Age Scotland’s ‘Check in, Cash out’ campaign to encourage the 1,225 potential recipients in the Borders to begin claiming.
“Age Scotland’s helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm: 0800 12 44 222.
“Once again, the value of the Union shines through with this support package from the Department of Work and Pensions and it is really important that we see an increased uptake”.