Over One Million Pounds For Pensioners In Dundee

Over £1 million has been put into the pockets of Dundee pensioners, thanks to a city-wide campaign to encourage people to apply for Pension Credit.  

In February, Dundee City Council Advice Services launched 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 £1,079,431 has been paid to the citizens of Dundee in different benefits. With the average Pension Credit award being £63.51 per week. 

The council identified and contacted households who might be entitled to Pension Credit and to reach as many people as possible, held several well attended drop-in sessions for people to get a benefits check. 

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 License for over 75s, amongst other benefits.   

The campaign is ongoing and anyone looking to get a benefits check should contact us on cas@dundeecity.gov.uk or our Older Peoples Take-up Campaign line on 01382 434474. 

Dundee Council Leader, John Alexander said: "Getting an extra £1 million for citizens in Dundee is incredible and it’s great to see that this campaign has been so successful. 

"This extra money for pensioners is going a long way to help pensions during the cost-of-living crisis. 

"We know each year billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed and that’s why it's so important to run campaigns like this and go out in the community to help people apply for money they are entitled to. 

"I want to thank the team who have carried out this work, it is clearly making a significant difference to the lives of Dundee pensioners. 

"I would encourage anyone who thinks they are eligible to come forward, the council and partners are here to help."