BENEFITS bosses must help older Scots out of poverty – by ensuring they access the help they are entitled to, a charity claims.
Age Scotland says four in 10 eligible pensioners – as many as 130,000 households – do not claim pension credits, and are therefore also missing out on associated help, such as cold weather payments.
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Official data shows more than one in six older citizens lives in poverty, with the problem increasing by one per cent on the previous year.
Relative pensioner poverty before housing costs now sits at 17 per cent, and 13 per cent after housing costs.
Around 60,000 pensioners now live in “material deprivation”, leaving them struggling to keep their homes free of damp, to afford basic services, replace broken essential items like cookers or go out at least once a month.
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Charity Age Scotland says the Department for Work and Pensions must “do more” to help older Scots claim their entitlements.
Chief executive Brian Sloan said: “Instead of eradicating pensioner poverty, we’re dismayed to see that the figures are moving in the opposite direction.
“While middle-class incomes are rising, our poorest pensioners are getting left behind.
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“It’s shocking to think that around 170,000 Scots are spending their later lives worrying about how to pay their next fuel bill or put food on the table.
“Everyone deserves to enjoy a reasonable quality of life in retirement.
“We need to see more action to tackle this rising tide of pensioner poverty and ensure the least well off receive the help they need.
“We would also urge all older people to ensure they are not missing out on the benefits they are entitled to.
“Our helpline advisers have already helped callers claim hundreds of millions of pounds, making a real difference to their lives. Anyone can call for a free benefits check on 0800 12 44 222.”
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