Seniors to seek benefit advice
Scots pensioners are being urged to check they are receiving the right benefits and have access to the lowest energy rates.
More than 34,000 people have been referred through the Scottish Government’s Home Energy Scotland Hotline to services, which maximise income through checking eligibility for benefits. The average increase for pensioner households, who get an increase in income, is £1681 per year.
Scottish Housing Minister Keith Brown said: “It is vital that our older people are accessing benefits due to them. We are talking about sizable amounts, which can make a real difference to the income our pensioners receive.
“Through the Home Energy Scotland Hotline, our service includes energy efficiency advice. We want to help ensure that more money stays in our pensioners pockets by securing the best deals from the energy companies to heat their homes.
“Many people fail to claim for what they are entitled to in benefits and tax credits simply because they don’t know it’s there. We all have a job to do to make sure that older people across our communities know that there are services available to help maximise their income.”
The Home Energy Scotland Hotline number is 0800 512 012 or visit www.homeenergyscotland.org.uk
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