OLDER folk in the Borders are being urged to apply for Pension Credit after it emerged that £3.6m is unclaimed across the region.

Scottish Borders Council has issued a plea during Challenge Poverty Week (October 7-13) for residents who are struggling financially to seek all the help that is available.

The week is an opportunity to highlight the wide range of support, information and advice available across the region to support those experiencing financial hardship.

The council is also appealing to family members, friends and neighbours to encourage individuals and families who are experiencing poverty to check their eligibility and find out what financial support they could be entitled to.

For those who are over state pension age and on a low income, Pension Credit provides extra money to help with living costs.

With £3.6 million unclaimed Pension Credit in the Borders, local pensioners are being urged to check their eligibility and apply for for it as a matter of urgency.

Financial help is also available during pregnancy and for families with a child up to school age, while free school meals and school clothing grants are available for older children.

There is also information on accessing help with rent or council tax or specific support such as Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) and the Scottish Welfare Fund. 

DHP is intended to help claimants who already receive housing benefit or universal credit (housing element) but require further assistance to meet their housing costs. Community care grants and crisis grants are for people experiencing particular difficulties.

Debt and money advice, including a financial health check service, is available through local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Councillor Robin Tatler, SBC’s executive member for public safety and resilience, said: “I would urge anyone experiencing financial hardship to have a look at the support that is available to them through the Scottish Borders Council website and make sure they get in touch to see how the council and our many partner organisations may be able to help.

“It is really important that people take that first step to find out what support they may be eligible for.”

More information about the support provided by Scottish Borders Council can be found at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/costoflivingsupport or by calling customer advice and support services on 0300 100 1800.