Pensioner Poverty 2024-11-11
2024-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about the number of low-income pensioners not claiming pension credit and the removal of winter fuel payments by a new Labour Government.
What steps her Department is taking to help reduce levels of pensioner poverty. Pensioners in Argyll, Bute and South Lochaber are facing extremely worrying times as they cannot understand why their winter fuel payments were removed. The SNP Scottish Government has opened applications for the pension age disability payment worth up to £434 a month for pensioners with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
The SNP Government's focus on pensioner poverty is good, but during their 17 years of government, pensioner poverty increased across Scotland.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Welcoming the initiative and encouraging application for pension age disability payment
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
There is concern about the removal of winter fuel payments by a new Labour Government, despite these payments being vital for many pensioners during colder months.
The first act of this new Labour Government was to remove winter fuel payments. The SNP Scottish Government has opened applications for the pension age disability payment worth up to £434 a month for eligible pensioners with disabilities or long-term health conditions, piloted in Scotland next year. Will the Minister join me in welcoming this initiative and encouraging those who are eligible to apply?
The SNP Government's focus on increasing benefits for pensioners is good, but during their time in government, pensioner poverty levels increased.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Welcoming the initiative and encouraging application
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Pensioners have a limited time of only 40 days to apply for winter fuel payments via the pension credit system, causing concern among those who may miss out on this benefit.
Pensioners in poverty now have just 40 days to apply for the winter fuel payment via the pension credit system. Will the Minister look at extending the deadline so that more people can claim pension credit and get the winter fuel payment?
We have redeployed 500 additional staff to process claims, but the deadline remains at 21 December.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Extending the deadline for winter fuel payment applications via pension credits
Response accuracy