Scottish pensioners have failed to claim £430 million worth of payments they are due, according to independent experts at Holyrood.
Research obtained by Labour from the Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe), shows that Scots are missing out on a total of more than £2 billion of social security payments.
It estimates Scots have failed to claim:
- £210 million of pension credit
- £220 of state pension
- £428 million worth of working or child tax credits
- £251 million of housing benefit
- £190 million of carers allowance
- £100 million in council tax reduction
Labour’s social security spokesman Mark Griffin “Scots are missing out on £2 billion worth of social security payments. Behind every one of these figures is a missed opportunity for Scotland to be a fairer place, delivering more support to those who need it most.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We have a clear commitment to do all we can to see incomes maximised, which is why we believe it is important that people receive all the benefits to which they are entitled.
“Unfortunately, at present, benefits are reserved to the UK Government and they have taken no action to improve take up and provide much needed support for many people.
“That is why, in 2017, we will be taking our own action to support people to take up benefits to which they are entitled including our benefit take-up campaign.”