More than 200 pensioners in West Lothian have been helped to claim the State Pension in the last year after being contacted by staff from the council’s Advice Shop.
Many didn’t think they would qualify for the universal benefit.
It is just one of the services the team have developed which has generated more than £600,000 and helped improve benefits take-up among those on the lowest incomes in the county.
A report to the Blackburn and Whitburn Local Area Committee told councillors: “Many individuals are unaware that the State Pension is not paid automatically and must be actively claimed upon reaching State Pension age.
“The Advice Shop delivers a targeted campaign to raise awareness of State Pension entitlement and ensure residents approaching pension age receive the financial support to which they are entitled.
“To address this, the Pension Income Maximisation Team takes a proactive approach by contacting residents approximately four months before their 66th birthday.”
Using council systems to identify eligible individuals, advisers provide tailored income maximisation support and guidance, helping residents to navigate the transition from working-age to pension-age benefits and ensuring continuity of income.
The report added: “During 2025/26, the campaign contacted 234 residents and supported successful claims resulting in financial gains of £682,497.”
Council staff also work with Carers of West Lothian to encourage take up of Unpaid Carers Support.
During 2025/26, the Advice Shop received 293 referrals from Carers of West Lothian. Through targeted welfare rights and income maximisation support, advisers secured financial gains of £1,407,003 for unpaid carer
According to the 2022 Census, there are 22,116 individuals in West Lothian who identify as unpaid carers, representing approximately 12% of the local population.
In total, 15% of Advice Shop customers in West Lothian came from the Whitburn and Blackburn ward area.
Successful outcomes secured for these customers include:-
- Total financial gains of £4,164,992 million by maximising income from social security benefits,
- Energy efficiency savings of £124,634 through access to financial support and advice.
- Support to deal with £1,468,105 of problem debt resulting in reduction in debt repayments of £624,950.
The Advice Shop also issued 509 emergency food vouchers and 394 fuel vouchers for households at risk of disconnection.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
