Help is out there for hard-up pensioners
August 18, 2008

It seems you can’t do anything these days without having to filling out a mass of forms or put in a dozen phone calls to call centres.

At times, it can’t be easy just to put these things off to another day for when you have more time or patience.

Pensioners are affected by this perhaps more than any other group.

That’s why I can well understand the latest figures that claim a third of pensioners who are entitled to receive Pension Credit are not claiming.

Pensioners are notorious for easily being put off by all the hassle and complexities that come from these types of applications.

And many come from a time that resents having to claim extra money or benefits after having worked hard all their days.

Sadly, they are others who just don’t realise that this type of help is available to them.

That is where the Scottish and Westminster government come in.

Substantial amounts of money have been set aside to help pensioners and its important that both governments work together to help them maximise their income.

While I believe more could be done, you don’t need to wait on government action.

Even if you believe you may only be entitled to a small amount of benefit and it may not seem worth the bother, it could the gateway to other schemes.

For example the free central heating programme now requires you to be in receipt of pensioner credit.

I would strongly urge anyone who is not in receipt of pension credit and still isn’t sure if they are eligible to overcome their reluctance and speak to the experts who will provide them with lots of support.

In my discussion with pensioners locally, they have found the pension credit helpline very helpful and supportive in their own applications.

So make that call. Pension credit can be applied or either by calling 0800 99 1234.