Published 01 October 2024
Pensioners across West Dunbartonshire are being encouraged to check if they are eligible for a benefit which could boost their income by thousands of pounds each year.
In West Dunbartonshire alone, there are 1664 households with people over the State Pension age on low incomes who are not currently claiming Pension Credit.
The benefit, which could be worth up to £3,900 each year, tops up the pension of people over the State Pension age who have a low income, helping with rent and other housing costs. It can even be claimed if someone has other income, savings or owns their home.
Changes have been made to the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment with the payment of up to £300 only available to those on Pension Credit.
West Dunbartonshire Council’s Working4U service assisted a claimant who was already in receipt of a number of benefits as well as having a personal work pension. Staff at Working4U completed a benefit check showing he was eligible for Pension Credit.
He received a benefit award of £1852 per year which also makes him eligible for the Winter Heating Payment.
Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal said: “Our highly skilled teams are able to carry out benefit checks for residents to ensure they are getting the financial support they are entitled to.
“More than 1600 households in West Dunbartonshire could be missing out on Pension Credit which, not only could be putting more money in their pockets every month, but could also mean they are eligible to receive extra money during the winter to help with their fuel bills.”
Vice Convener of Housing and Communities, Councillor Hazel Sorrell said: “I would encourage anyone who thinks that they could be missing out to contact the Council’s Working4U team straight away who will be pleased to help.”
More information is available from Working4U team through the online form at www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/jobs-and-training/working4u/how-do-you-access-our-service/ or by calling 01389 738296.
West Dunbartonshire Citizens Advice Bureau can also assist on 0800 484 0136 or at www.wdcab.co.uk and residents can apply directly via the UK Government’s website at www.gov.uk/pension-credit