West Dunbartonshire pensioners are being urged to check if they are eligible for a benefit that could increase their income by thousands of pounds each year.

There are 1,664 households in the area with people over the State Pension age on low incomes who are not currently claiming Pension Credit.

This benefit, which could be worth up to £3,900 each year, boosts the pension of those over the State Pension age with low incomes, helping with rent and other housing costs.

It can even be claimed if someone has other income, savings, or owns their home.

Changes have been made to the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, with the payment of up to £300 only available to those on Pension Credit.

Councillor Gurpreet Singh Johal, convener of housing and communities, said: “More than 1600 households in West Dunbartonshire could be missing out on Pension Credit which, not only could be putting more money in their pockets every month, but could also mean they are eligible to receive extra money during the winter to help with their fuel bills.”

Councillor Hazel Sorrell, vice convener of housing and communities, added: “I would encourage anyone who thinks that they could be missing out to contact the Council’s Working4U team straight away who will be pleased to help.”