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 continue 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 License for over 75s, amongst other benefits. 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, Mark Flynn said: “Getting over £3 million back into the pockets of pensioners in the city is a fantastic achievement.

“We are aware of the rising cost of living and implications this has, particularly for pensioners. That’s why campaigns like this are so important and make a real difference to people’s lives.

“Our teams are here to help. It’s not only Pension Credit we’ve supported people to claim, but we have also helped people across the city get Attendance Allowance awards, Universal Credit and Council Tax Reduction.

“Every year billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed. That’s why it’s so important we continue to run campaigns like this, reaching out directly to the community to help people claim the money they are entitled to.

“I want to thank the team who have carried out this work, it is clearly making a significant and positive 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.”