THE Labour MP for West Dunbartonshire has urged retired people to check whether they are entitled to extra benefits amid a new report.

Douglas McAllister made the statement after figures from anti-poverty outfit Policy in Practice revealed that £3.7million of Pension Credit cash goes unclaimed in the area.

Statistics suggest that around 1,664 claims are outstanding in the constituency worth £3,773,509.

Pension Credit is a means-tested benefit available to anyone who has reached State Pension Age [normally 66] and has a weekly income of less than £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples

Successful claims unlock additional benefits for the poorest pensioners, including the Winter Heating Payment which was cut as a universal service by the UK Government last month.

McAllister was one of 328 MPs to vote on the plan to restrict the payments earlier this month which gave all pensioners up to £300 to help out with heating costs.

This prompted criticism from Marie McNair MSP, who said the ending of the scheme will result in pensioners "paying the price".

However, McAllister responded, insisting the vote meant the payment would be concentrated on the poorest pensioners.

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To be eligible for the Winter Heating Payment in Scotland, pensioners must be in receipt of a qualifying benefit during the period between November 4 and 10.

Claiming Pension Credit alone can be worth on average £3,900 a year alone for those eligible.

McAllister said: “Data suggests that more than 1600 people who are eligible for Pension Credit in West Dunbartonshire are not claiming.

“It is imperative that those eligible get the support they need to see them through winter and that is why I am urging pensioners in my constituency to check whether they qualify for Pension Credit.

“There is no harm in asking.”