UNCLAIMED benefits are contributing to a rise in pensioner poverty, according to Age Scotland, which says one in five over-65s are struggling financially.
The charity says 158,000 people aged 65 or above now live below the poverty line UK wide, but £292 million is going unclaimed each year in Pension Credit and Housing Benefit alone.
In survey carried out for Age UK, 20 per cent of Scots aged over 65 who were questioned said they were either just about getting by, finding it difficult, or finding it very difficult to meet their living costs.
This equates to more than 200,000 people and the charity is urging more to get in touch to find out whether they are entitled to extra financial support. Someone who should be getting Pension Credit but who has not been claiming it, could increase their income by an average £2,184 a year.
Age Scotland has updated its Benefits Maze guide, and says older people may also be leaving housing benefit or help with council tax unclaimed or if they have disabilities they may be missing out on Attendance Allowance.
Last year the charity’s helpline advised more than 16,000 older people with issues such as claiming benefits, legal issues and paying for care and support.
UK Government figures show that one in 10 over-65s would be unable to pay an unexpected bill of £200, such as to replace a broken washing machine.
Keith Robson, chief Executive at Age Scotland said: “Many people face a daily struggle to just afford the basics. That’s why it is so important every older person who is entitled to claim benefits does so.
“It is shameful that despite millions of older people struggling financially, more than £290min cash benefits remains unclaimed every year when this extra income could make a huge difference to their lives.”
Mr Robson said many people were surprised how easy claims are with the help of an adviser and the difference it makes to everyday budgeting.
He also called on older people who were claiming winter fuel payments, disability related benefits or carers’ benefits to take part in Scottish Government user experience panels, which will help shape the future use of powers over social security now devolved to Holyrood.
Last month it was revealed more than half a million people north of the Border are due benefits they are not claiming.
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman launched a Government campaign to encourage people to come forward to claim tax credits and other benefits such as Sure Start Maternity Grant, Carers Allowance and the Funeral Expenses Payment.
Citizens Advice Scotland spokesperson Keith Dryburgh, said the complexity of the benefits system or changes in people’s circumstances such as the birth of a child or illness could mean they became eligible for benefits without realising it.
Meanwhile, Satwat Rehman, director of One Parent Families Scotland, said one in five eligible families do not receive child tax credit or housing benefit, while more than two out of every five eligible persons do not claim working tax credits.
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