North-east pensioners urged to check Pension Credit eligibility as fuel payment deadline looms
A local MSP is encouraging pensioners to ensure they have applied for Pension Credit as the deadline for claiming the Winter Fuel Payment looms.
Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam is urging OAPs across Aberdeenshire and Moray who have not already applied for pension credit to do so by September 22 to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
Across the UK, 37 per cent of those eligible do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 after the UK Labour government cut its universal provision as part of its austerity agenda.
September 16-22 is qualifying week for those who are eligible for the payment this year, however over 800,000 pensioners across Scotland are now set to lose out.
Last week, Ms Adam raised the issue with the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP.
During her question, she said: "Given that the estimates show that thousands of families who are entitled to receive pension credit have not claimed that benefit, and with Labour MPs at Westminster voting this week to remove the winter fuel payment for millions of pensioners, what more can the Scottish Government do to increase benefit uptake and ensure that our eligible pensioners receive the support that they so desperately need this winter?”
Responding, the Cabinet Secretary said: "The decision on the winter fuel payment originated with the UK government, so it is imperative that it should undertake a benefit take-up campaign.
“I have asked the Secretary of State to do so, urgently. Scottish Government officials are working with the DWP and stakeholders to promote pension credit take-up, despite the fact that that benefit is solely reserved."
Speaking afterwards, Ms Adam said: “The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel Payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.
“As a result, 47,257 people across Aberdeenshire and 17,778 people across Moray will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.
“The SNP are clear: this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across Aberdeenshire and Moray out in the cold.
“If you have not already done so, please check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”
To find out more about Winter Fuel Payment eligibility, visit https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-much-youll-get
