Age Scotland urges pensioners to check if they qualify for £324 Pension Credit cost of living payment

Age Scotland is calling on pensioners to check their eligibility for the next instalment of the cost of living payment.

Pensioners on low incomes have until Sunday, December 18, to put in a claim for Pension Credit to the Department of Work and Pensions if they want to qualify for the £324 sum to help towards the rising cost of living.

You could be entitled to Pension Credit if your weekly income is less than £182.60 if you are single, or £278.70 for a couple.

The charity has also highlighted that, while while online applications can be submitted up to Sunday, December 18, the Pension Credit Claims Enquiry line closed at 6pm on Friday, December 16.

This means that those without access to the internet were given a shorter window to ensure they do not miss out.

Age Scotland’s interim chief executive, Michelle Supple, said: “It is vital that older people on the lowest incomes receive everything they are entitled to in order to help them cope with the rising cost of living.

“We’re now in the coldest months of the year and, with temperatures dropping, older people need reassurance that they can heat their homes to a comfortable level without fear of being unable to afford their bills.

“Unfortunately, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people in Scotland every year due to a lack of awareness, difficultly in accessing them, stigma surrounding benefits or just not knowing where to turn for help.

“Receiving Pension Credit entitles you to additional support including help with rent and council tax reduction, help with winter heating costs, health costs including free dental treatment, and a free TV licence if you are over 75.”

Ms Supple urged anyone who thinks they may be eligible to “act quickly” and submit an application before Sunday.

Applications for Pension Credit can be made by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234, or online by clicking here.