Evelyn Tweed, the SNP MSP for Stirling, is urging Stirling pensioners to check whether they are eligible for pension credit after the Labour Government voted through its controversial decision to make Winter Fuel Payment means tested.
Although previously a universal benefit for all people over pension age, the UK Labour Government has decided that the Winter Fuel Payment will now only be paid to pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit – a means tested benefit for those on lower incomes.
Several parties, including the SNP, and third sector organisations have made calls for Labour’s decision to be reversed – as it emerged over 900,000 pensioners across Scotland would miss out on the £300 payment this winter, plummeting many into poverty.
Those whose incomes are just below the threshold for Pension Credit will be most impacted – with some people missing out on being eligible for the payment by just £3.
UK Ministers have also been warned that the £460 increase in the state pension, due next April, will be cancelled out by the cut to winter fuel allowance and inflation, meaning some pensioners may even see a real-term cut to their income.
Evelyn Tweed MSP is urging residents who may be due Pension Credit to check their eligibility, with as many as 4 in 10 eligible pensioners believed to be missing out on Pension Credit.
Commenting, SNP MSP Evelyn Tweed said:
“Labour was elected on the promise of change, yet this week Scottish Labour MPs have voted through a cut which will see of thousands of pensioners head into the cold winter months frightened of what lies ahead.
“Like every successive Westminster government, Labour is blaming their predecessors for the conditions which they have inherited to justify austerity. But austerity is never necessary. Austerity is a political choice.
“Every SNP MP voted against this cut. If Alyn Smith were still in office he too would have stood up for the pensioners who rely on Winter Fuel Payment to survive. Pensioner poverty has devastating consequences and so I reiterate yet again to the Labour government to see sense and reverse this decision before pensioners are forced to endure a winter without this vital lifeline. The Scottish Government have had no choice but to implement this cut in Scotland due to the harsh realities of being governed by the decisions of Westminster.
“With only 6 in 10 of those eligible for pension credit receiving the benefit, it is vital that people in Stirling check their eligibility for the benefit to ensure they are getting the protection they are entitled to this coming winter. As always, my office are on hand to help anyone who is struggling or needs support.”
Anyone unsure if they are eligible for pension credit can check using this calculator https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator
