AN Inverclyde MSP is teaming up with older person’s charity Independent Age host an event aimed at helping older people find out whether they could be entitled to pension credit.

The event will take place on November 15 from 11am until 2pm at 7½ John Wood Street, Port Glasgow, PA14 5HU.

Organisations that support older people will be on hand to provide advice, give out guides, and information about pension credit and other benefits, including in a private space to ensure confidentiality if required.

Pension credit is a financial top-up for those over state pension age, usually with an income of under £218.15 if they are single or £332.95 in a couple.

As well as an increased weekly income for those eligible, older people can receive other entitlements such as housing benefit, free dental and glasses and a free TV License for those over 75.

Stuart McMillan, SNP MSP for Greenock and Inverclyde, said: “I have held many cost of living surgeries over the past few years, but this is the first time that I’ve teamed up with Independent Age to try to offer targeted advice and support to older people in Inverclyde.

“This is especially important given the UK Government’s decision to scrap the universality of the winter fuel payment – and why I am committed to try to increase the uptake of pension credit locally – as this is now a qualifying payment for the winter fuel payment.

“Independent Age estimates that £3.6 million in pension credit is going unclaimed annually in my constituency by 1,590 pensioner households. That’s vital income that could be in pensioner’s pockets to help them this winter.

“I therefore hope that Independent Age, along with other advice organisations attending on the day, will be able to provide older constituents with the information they need to try to apply for pension credit – or other financial support that could be available to them, such as attendance allowance.”