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Pounds in pensioners pockets
26/04/2009
Free benefits checks have secured over £2.5 million for Scottish pensioners, it was revealed today.
Since April 2007, over 1,800 pensioners received increased Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and, in many cases, a full council tax rebate.
Every pensioner who applied to the central heating programme (CHP) was offered a free benefits check from the Pension Service.
On average, additional income per household amounted to almost £1,400.
On April 6, after 10 years, the central heating and warm deal programmes were replaced with the £60 million Energy Assistance Package.
Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said:
"The free benefits checks have changed people's lives, helping the poorest and most vulnerable elderly bank millions in unclaimed benefits.
"Against the backdrop of an economic recession, it is imperative that Scottish pensioners get all the money to which they are entitled.
"This success is in line with continuing assistance to families and businesses through the Scottish Economic Recovery plan.
"The new, improved Energy Assistance Package will continue to offer pensioners the choice to have free benefits checks."
Last week, the Scottish Government announced that elderly people in Scotland have received a record number - 14,430 in 2008-2009 - of free central heating systems in their homes. It is the highest number ever installed in private homes by the central heating programme.
The Energy Assistance Package replaces the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes. It will provide a one-stop shop approach to reducing fuel poverty, helping people receive their full benefit entitlement, reduce their fuel bills and offering central heating and insulation.