Scottish pensioners have failed to claim £430million 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:
- £210million of pension credit
- £220milion of state pension
- £428million worth of working or child tax credits
- £251million of housing benefit
- £190million of carers allowance
- £100million in council tax reduction
Labour’s social security spokesman Mark Griffin said: “Scots are missing out on £2billion 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.”