Older people across the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch constituency could be missing out on almost £1.9 million in Pension Credit every year — money that could make a real difference to household budgets.
That’s the worrying finding of research shared with me by Independent Age, a national charity which supports older people experiencing financial hardship.
With the cost of heating, food and other everyday essentials continuing to put pressure on household finances, I want to encourage older residents across the Highlands to check whether they’re receiving all the financial support they’re entitled to.
I know that many people assume they won’t qualify for additional help, perhaps because they have some savings, own their home or receive a small private pension. But that isn’t necessarily the case.
Pension Credit is designed to help people over State Pension age on a low income. Qualifying can also open the door to other forms of financial assistance, including help with housing costs, Council Tax and heating bills.
Nobody who has worked hard throughout their life should have to worry about whether they can afford to heat their home or put food on the table. Yet I know that for some older people in our Highland communities, particularly those living alone or on a fixed income, every pound really does count.
What concerns me most is that there are people who could be receiving additional financial support but simply don’t realise they’re entitled to it.
My message is simple: please take a few minutes to check. Even if you think you won’t qualify, you might be surprised.
This is money you’re entitled to, not a handout, and there’s absolutely no reason to feel embarrassed about claiming it.
How to check what you’re entitled to
Independent Age offers a free, confidential advice service to help older people understand what financial support they may be eligible for and how to apply.
You can call them on 0800 319 6789, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.30pm.
You can also find out more about Pension Credit and check your eligibility at www.gov.uk/pension-credit.
For help with Council Tax Reduction, you can contact Highland Council.
And if you have an older relative, friend or neighbour, please encourage them to check too. Sometimes all it takes is a conversation to help someone discover support they didn’t know was available.
I’d much rather someone spent a few minutes checking and discovered they weren’t eligible than missed out on money that could make their life a little easier.