People aged over 66 have until the end of Friday, May 19 to qualify for the £301 cost of living payment if they make a new claim for Pension Credit which later turns out to be successful. The means-tested benefit is worth more than £3,500 each year on average and acts as a gateway to additional help for heating bills, housing costs and Council Tax discounts.
Pension Credit currently gives 127,060 people across Scotland extra money to help with living costs if they are over State Pension age and on a low income. Some older people think because they have savings or own their home they would not be eligible and could be missing out.
Older people - or friends and family - can check eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on GOV.UK here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
