Over £3 million has been put into the pockets of Dundee pensioners, thanks to city-wide efforts encouraging people to apply for Pension Credit.
The council’s Council Advice Services Team has been running a campaign with Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau and Brooksbank to maximize the income of as many citizens of Dundee as possible over the state pension age.
Since the launch of this campaign, over £3,148,494 has been awarded to the citizens of Dundee through various benefits. With the average Pension Credit award being £68 per week, and an average backdated pension credit award of over £900.
The council continues to identify and contact households who might be entitled to Pension Credit and to reach as many people as possible.
Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.
Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances and looks at all the income in the household as well as savings over a certain amount. Whilst savings are considered, there is no upper threshold, so having savings does not necessarily mean there would be no entitlement.
Pension Credit also gives eligibility to free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses, free TV Licence for over 75s, amongst other benefits.
Anyone looking to get a benefits check should contact the team on cas@dundeecity.gov.uk or the Older People’s Take-up Campaign line on 434474.