Claim your entitlement!

13 March 2008

I wanted to use this month’s column to encourage Clackmannanshire’s Pensioners to claim their Pension Credit.

Many Pensioners in our communities do not claim money what they are entitled to and I think it is simply because they often don’t know its there! 19% of all pensioners don’t claim benefits such as Pension Credit so I wanted to pose this question to all Pensioners reading this – Are you claiming all you can?

The Government in Westminster is committed to ensuring that claiming entitlements is easy and subject to the approval of legislation, Pensioners will now be able to automatically claim four benefits (State Pension, Pension Credit, Council Tax benefit and Housing Benefit) in one phone call to the Pension Service.

These changes which are supported by Age Concern and Help the Aged will help thousands more pensioners, many of whom reside right here in Clackmannanshire.

I understand the needs and challenges many of our older people face and I know the difference that even a small amount of money can make. I often hear many older people say that because they own their own home or have savings then they are not entitled to benefits such as Pension Credit – that is simply not the case. If you feel that you might be missing out on benefits then please phone 0800 99 1234 and speak to an adviser who will be happy to help. Or even if you find yourself in Alloa one day, pop into my office and my staff will assist you.

Remember – If you are entitled, then it is money that is rightfully yours and we’re here to help you get it