Issued : 19 September 2003
Council On Call For Benefit Advice
Angus Council is making sure no local pensioners miss out on extra income with the introduction next month of a new government benefit for older people.
The Pension Credit will be introduced on 6 October, and a council helpline being launced on Monday (29 September) will enable people to find if they are entitled to the new benefit.
Pension Credit will reward some people aged 65 or over who have some savings or other income put aside for their retirement.
There is no upper capital limit for claiming Pension Credit and this means older people are no longer excluded from entitlements because they have some money in the bank or a small occupational pension.
Depending on the award of Pension Credit, older people could have further entitlement or become entitled for the first time, to housing and council tax benefit.
In conjunction with the launch of Older People’s Week, Angus Council’s welfare rights team are operating a telephone advice line from 29 September to 3 October and the 7 to 10 October. No lines will be open on 6 October which is a public holiday.
The team will be available to assist older people with advice on their entitlements and to guide them through the simple claim process.
Anyone who wishes more information should contact Angus Council’s ACCESS Line on 08452 777 778 which is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.