COWDENBEATH MSP Annabelle Ewing is encouraging pensioners in the constituency to ensure that they are receiving their full entitlement of Pension Credits.

Speaking this week, Ms Ewing said: “The DWP have launched a campaign about Pension Credit but the circulation of the information seems to be fairly limited so I want to play my part in spreading the word.

"Many older people do not apply for Pension Credit because they think they aren’t eligible or that it isn’t a lot of money. In fact, the average Pension Credit payment is over £58 per week, which works out at over £3,000 per year .

“On top of that, having a claim approved for Pension Credit can open doors to other benefits like help with rent and Council Tax as well as qualification for Cold Weather Payments".

Ms Ewing added: “Many people think that because they own their own home, or have savings, that Pension Credits do not apply to them but you can have savings or another pension and still get extra money. And almost half of the people who get Pension Credit own their own home.

“Even if you are not entitled to a State Pension, you might still get Pension Credit and even if you have applied unsuccessfully in the past, changes in personal circumstances, income or capital, may mean that you now qualify.

“You can use the online Pension Credit calculator or consult a trained benefits advisor such as those provided by Citizens Advice Scotland and Age Scotland.”