Older people in West Lothian have just one week to claim the £650 cost of living payment.
Those over the State Pension age who are eligible have until August 18 to claim for Pension Credit to qualify for the full payment - current pension credit figures tell that an estimated £1.7 billion lies unclaimed.
Martyn Day, MP for Linlithgow and East Falkirk, warns eligible people of State Pension age that they only have one week left to qualify for the cost of living payment.
To be eligible for the extra financial support, anyone currently receiving State Pension payments must put in a claim for Pension Credit before the deadline of Thursday, August 18.
The means-tested payment is split into two halves, with eligible households having received the first instalment of £326 by July 31 and a second payment due in the Autumn.
Pension Credit is a retrospective payment meaning it can be backdated three months at the point of claim.
The DWP confirmed that people who apply for Pension Credit before the deadline, and whose claim is successful, will be eligible for the full cost of living payment.
Martyn Day said: “Pension Credit figures show that an estimated £1.7 billion goes unclaimed.
“Not only are 850,000 families missing out on this essential support, but they are also ineligible for the £650 cost of living payment.
“With soaring fuel, energy and food prices, I would urge all eligible older people in my constituency to claim pension credit and the cost of living payment before the deadline.”
Pension Credit, is a ‘passport’ benefit aimed at supporting people over State Pension age on a low income by providing up to £3300 each year on average in financial support.
It also acts as a ‘gateway’ to Council Tax, housing, and NHS discounts - along with free TV Licences for the over 75s.
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