Gordon Macdonald MSP has encouraged anyone in Edinburgh who has not already applied for pension credit to do so by 22 September to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment this year.
In the UK, 37% of those eligible do not claim pension credit, which is now a prerequisite for receiving the Winter Fuel Payment of £300 after the UK Government cut the universal provision of the payment.
The qualifying week is 16 – 22 September 2024 for those who are eligible for the payment this year, however Mr Macdonald said that 800,000 pensioners in Scotland are now set to lose out.
He said: “The abhorrent decision by the Labour UK government to cut the Winter Fuel payment has put thousands of pensioners in an unimaginable situation.
“As a result, 67,555 across Edinburgh will miss out on the payment altogether whilst some who are eligible are also in danger of missing out.
“The SNP are clear; this is a cruel and inexplicable decision by the Labour government that leaves pensioners across the city worse off.
“If you have not already done so, please check your eligibility and apply for pension credit by the end of this week to ensure you don’t miss out on vital support this winter.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
