Services
News release
Birthday surprise for pensioners
West Lothian Council, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Help the Aged and Age Concern have all promoted various services to highlight that many pensioners are not claiming the benefits they are entitled to.
Benefits can include State Pensions, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit.
The council's Advice Shop recently sent out special birthday cards to all West Lothian Council tenants approaching their 60th birthday offering them a free Benefit Health Check.
Executive councilor for Social Policy, Isabel Hutton, said: "Recent campaigns are beginning to make a positive impact and staff at our Advice Shop are noticing an excellent response from pensioners.
"I was recently told about a 64 year old woman who lives alone and called into the Advice Shop in Bathgate after seeing an advert in the local paper for Free Benefit Health Checks.
"She found out that she was entitled to an extra £41.22 per week housing benefit and £8.10 per week council tax benefit.
"She had been completely unaware of this and has been struggling on her low income for years. With energy prices set to rise this winter, this extra money will come in very useful.
"This is one example and it highlights that there are pensioners out there who can financially benefit from popping into the Advice Shop."
For more information please contact the Advice Shop in Waverly Street Industrial Estate, Bathgate behind the Regal Resource Centre or call 01506 776444 or email advice.shop@westlothian.gov.uk. The Advice Shop is open:· Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am ? 5pm · Wednesdays 9am ? 1pm· Fridays 9am ? 4pm
Date: 10-09-2008
