I am urging pensioners who are on low incomes to check to see if they are entitled to Pension Credit. The latest figures available from the Department of Work and Pensions estimates that in Fife over 7,000 household who are entitled to the credit are not claiming – with a value of unclaimed monies amounting to over £17.5 million pounds.
Many pensioners in Fife are entitled to get this support but the numbers not claiming are quite staggering. Given that energy costs are spiralling out of control and we all face a further significant increase in October, added to the fact that older people will be at home more and will consume more electricity and gas in the winter, I am urging pensioners to check if they are entitled to this money.
Also for pensioners over the age of 75 to qualify for the free TV licence they need to be in receipt of pension credit.
There are a number of organisations that can provide pensioners with advice and support and people should get in touch with the Citizens and Rights Fife offices or contact the local council office who will be able to signpost individuals to support workers who can check their situation and assist in completing forms if need be. Also people can contact the Age Scotland helpline for free on 0800 12 44 222 or go to their web site where there is much more information on who qualifies for Pension Credit at: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland
The coming months are going to be even more difficult for everyone so it is crucial that older people are not left cold and hungry in their homes. If you have a loved one, or a neighbour that is over retirement age then please encourage them to check out if they are eligible for this credit. We know that over 7000 household in Fife are and I want as many of those as possible to get what they are entitled to.
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Pension Credit data for Fife
The most recent data relating to PC take-up relates to DWP estimates of take up for year 2016/17 and DWP data on beneficiaries for November 2018 and was collated in a report, “”Credit where it’s due”, published by Independent Age in 2019. The data is broken into Westminster constituency as follows:
Predicted no of households entitled but not receiving PC Predicted annual amount unclaimed (£)
Dunfermline & West Fife 1,425 3,529,231
Glenrothes 2,184 5,397,957
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath 2,192 5,716,287
North East Fife 1,282 2,957,892
Total 7,083 17,601,367
