Mark Griffin has encouraged pensioners in Lanarkshire not to miss out and ensure they get the benefits they are entitled to as hundreds of millions of pounds go unclaimed.
The Central Scotland MSP has pledged his support to Age Scotland’s latest campaign aimed at tackling pensioner poverty.
The charity’s 'Check in, Cash Out' campaign aims to raise awareness of the social security benefits available to older people, increase the numbers accessing pension credit and other key benefits, and reduce the number of pensioners living in poverty.
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Mark told Lanarkshire Live: “Latest figures suggest that 40 per cent of pensioners on low incomes are missing out on Pension Credit.
"As a consequence, £332 million of financial support remains unclaimed by 123,000 older households across Scotland.
"In Central Scotland it is estimated that 13,037 eligible older people are not accessing Pension Credit.
“Pension Credit is one of the most under claimed means of social security support for older people, but pensioners are also failing to access other benefits, including the council tax reduction scheme, with £93m going unclaimed across Scotland.
"With approximately 150,000 older living in poverty across the country, these supports are vital.
“Age Scotland is actively working to increase awareness of what is available to older people, reduce stigma, and ensure support and advice is easily accessible.
"It is important that both the UK and Scottish Governments also take action and deliver targeted campaigns on these benefits, especially with the increase in isolation experienced by many older people during the pandemic.”
More information on the campaign is available on the charity’s website and older people can contact Age Scotland’s free and confidential helpline on 0800 12 44 222 to find out what they may be entitled to.
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