A CAMPAIGN has been launched to help older residents make sure they receive all of the benefits they are entitled to.

Experts at Age Scotland believe a significant number of older people in the local area are missing out on financial support such as a reduction in their Council Tax.

The charity is staging its ‘Check in, Cash out’ campaign to boost understanding of the financial support available and make the process of receiving it more streamlined.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland chief executive, said: “An astonishing level of under-claimed Council Tax reduction, among other sources of financial support such as Pension Credit, could be making a real difference to the lives of those older people on low incomes, driving down levels of poverty and boosting their wellbeing.

“We’ve got to make it easier for people to claim and ensure that accessing passported benefits is much more streamlined.

“We’re here to help older people find out more about the support available to them with our free information guides and free eligibility checks through our helpline. We can also help people to claim if they are missing out.

“Social security is not just for older people on low income. If you have a disability or illness which means you need extra help, or care for someone, you could also be missing out.

“We would urge older people to call our helpline on 0800 12 44 222 to find out if they are receiving all the social security support they are entitled to.”

“Please don’t hesitate to check in, as you may well be entitled to cash out on additional financial support.”

Call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222 for free eligibility checks, as well as advice and free guides on Council Tax Reduction and other social security such as Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance and Carers Allowance.

Age Scotland’s information guide on Council Tax Reduction and their “Check in, Cash out” campaign is available at www.age.scot/CheckInCashOut.