Pensioners, parents and carers urged to get free benefits check during Talk Money Week

Pensioners, parents and carers are being encouraged to check if they are entitled for pension credits or the Scottish Child Payment during Talk Money Week. 

The Department for Work and Pensions estimates £5,678,323 in pension credit went unclaimed in Renfrewshire last year. 

Councillor Jacqueline Cameron, Depute Leader of Renfrewshire Council, visited Roar – Connections For Life last week to talk to people at the centre about the benefit which can help people over state pension age on low incomes with living costs. 

The payment, which is separate from the state pension, tops up a person’s weekly income to £182.60 if they are single and £278.70 if they have a partner. It can also help with housing costs and Council Tax. 

Councillor Cameron said: “The cost of living crisis is having an impact on everyone so it’s important to check what help you are entitled to. 

“The average amount of pension credit can add up to around £2,500 a year, but even a smaller amount such as £10 a week can help towards the bills. 

“If you think you might be eligible for pension credit, please arrange a free benefits check during Talk Money Week and find out. 

“This is money you are entitled to so make sure you claim it if you are eligible.” 

Cassie Forbes, CEO of Roar – Connections For Life, said: “I would encourage everyone to check whether they are entitled to pension credit as it is so underclaimed, with millions sitting in a pot waiting to be allocated. 

“Pension Credit can supplement your income and it also opens you up to other benefits and allowance entitlements. 

“No-one should feel uncomfortable about making an enquiry and it costs nothing to do so. It’s what you are entitled to, and you should not struggle when there is support waiting for you. 

“Roar is here to assist in any way we can, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.” 

Parents and carers are also being urged to check if they are entitled to the Scottish Child Payment. 

From Monday 14 November, the payment is rising to £25 per week per eligible child, with the age payments are available for rising from 6 to 16-years-old. 

Over 4,000 families in Renfrewshire are already benefiting from the payment but more may be eligible following these changes. 

Parents and carers are entitled to the payment if they live in Scotland, receive certain benefits or are the main person looking after a child under 16. 

Advice Works and Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau are offering benefits checks during Talk Money Week to let people check if they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to. 

The appointments are free and will cover income-based benefits like Universal Credit, Scottish benefits like the Scottish Child Payment or Best Start Grants, and local benefits like Council Tax Reduction or Free School Meals. 

Dan Lockyer, Advice Services Manager at Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “We want to help people who are missing out on their benefits entitlement. 

“Certain forms of help like pension credit, benefits based on National Insurance contributions, and council tax reduction are not being claimed by people who are entitled to them. 

“All the information you tell our advisers at your appointment is confidential. When we identify what people could or should be applying for, we can then explain how to apply and help them with the forms. 

“With the squeeze on household finances, it’s a good time to find out what you are due.” 

To find out if you are eligible for pension credit or the Scottish Child Payment, call Advice Works on 0300 300 1238 or Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau on 0141 889 2121 and ask for a Talk Money Week appointment. You can also book online at https://advicerenfrewshire.youcanbook.me. Don’t worry if there are no suitable appointments available to book during Talk Money Week, anyone who calls will be given an appointment at a time that suits them.