Are you due a Pension Boost?

News

Households in Falkirk are being encouraged to check if they are missing out on financial support, including Pension Credit which can open doors to further financial help for housing costs, council tax, heating bills, and the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.

The Pension Credit awareness drive is underway to encourage pensioners to apply by 21 December, the last date for making a backdated claim for Pension Credit, in order to receive the Winter Fuel Payment.

You could be due a Pension Boost

There are a range of benefits households could be entitled to claim to make life a little easier. These are designed to provide additional financial support and can help with everyday expenses.

What Benefits Might You Be Entitled To?

  1. Pension Credit
    If you have a low income, you may be eligible for Pension Credit which could top up your weekly income. Many people miss out on this, even though it’s a valuable source of support to help with housing costs.
  2. Attendance Allowance
    If you need help with personal care or have mobility issues due to illness or disability, you may be able to claim Attendance Allowance. This benefit is designed to assist with the extra costs of long-term health conditions.
  3. Winter Fuel Payment
    Individuals of pension age are entitled to an increased Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs during the colder months.
  4. Warm Home Discount
    You could get a £150 discount on your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Pensioners whose weekly income is below £218.15 for a single person or £332.95 for a couple should check to see if they could be eligible. It is worth on average £3,900 a year and can also open doors to further financial help, such as housing costs, council tax, and heating bills, and the Winter Fuel Payment worth up to £300.

Households can use the Pension Credit Calculator to check if they are eligible and get an estimate of how much they are entitled to. New applications for Pension Credit can be also be made at gov.uk/pension-credit

Need a hand?

There are dedicated services ready to help you understand the full range of benefits you may be entitled to and to help you apply. Support is available from:

Age Scotland – Phone 0800 12 44 222, email helpline@agescotland.org.uk or complete an online enquiry form

Citizens Advice Bureau – providing free, impartial advice and support on a range of issues including support for older people. Citizen’s Advice has three locations in the Falkirk area:

Make sure you don’t miss out this winter. Act now and contact our partners to find out how they could help you today.  Further information is available on the Falkirk Council website at falkirk.gov.uk/benefithelp