Call to get help

Pensioners on low incomes are being urged to check if they are missing out on social security payments which could lift them out of poverty.

Thousands more could also be entitled to further financial support in later life.

It comes as latest figures from the Scottish Government show150,000 pensioners across the country are living in poverty.

An estimated £332m of Pension Credit, designed to boost the income of older people on a low State Pension and lift them out of poverty, goes unclaimed in Scotland every year.

Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock MP, Allan Dorans, is supporting Age Scotland’s new“Check in, Cash out”campaign, calling on local older people to find out if they are missing out.

He said:“I found it incredible to hear from Age Scotland that they estimate as many as 1,955 pensioners here are missing out on Pension Credit and other vital social security.

“They are living on very low incomes but not claiming what they are entitled to whether through a lack of awareness, barriers to claiming, or feeling that they are coping fine as it is.”

Ayr MSP, Siobhian Brown, added her voice to those urging locals to seek support.

She said:“I want to make sure people know what support is available to them should they need it. I’d encourage my constituents over the age of 50 to call Age Scotland’s 0800 12 44 222 helpline to check they’re not missing out.”