MSP Gil Paterson urges senior citizens to check eligibility for pension credit scheme

PENSIONERS are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for extra benefits from the government.

MSP Gil Paterson is supporting a campaign by the Department for Work and Pensions to reach out to those eligible for Pensioner Credit.

From 10 February 2020 we’re running a 12-week national campaign targeted at people over State Pension age, and also reaching those who support them.

The aim is to raise awareness of Pension Credit and challenge some common misconceptions by highlighting that:

• people of State Pension age may be entitled to Pension Credit even though they may have savings or a retirement income or own their own home
• an award of Pension Credit can provide access to a range of other benefits such as help with housing costs, council tax or heating bills

Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said: “There may be pensioners out there struggling to get by, who could be eligible for the Pension Credit entitlement.

“I fully support the campaign by the DWP to reach out to pensioners across Clydebank/Milngavie and Bearsden, to remind my constituents above the state pension age or their carers that this benefit is available.

“Anyone who is unsure can call the helpline, but also visit their local Citizens Advice Bureau if they would like some assistance.”

ENDS

More Information: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit
Pension Service helpline
Telephone: 0800 731 0469
Textphone: 0800 169 0133
NGT text relay (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 731 0469
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm