Connect, Dundee City Council

21/04/2025

Over £3 million has been put into the pockets of Dundee's older people, thanks to city-wide efforts encouraging people to apply for Pension Credit.

The council’s Council Advice Services Team has been running a campaign with Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau and Brooksbank to maximize the income of as many citizens of Dundee as possible over the state pension age.

Since the launch of this campaign, over £3,148,494 has been awarded to the citizens of Dundee through various benefits. With the average Pension Credit award being £68 per week, and an average backdated pension credit award of over £900.

The council continue to identify and contact households who might be entitled to Pension Credit and to reach as many people as possible.

Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.

Find more, including how you can apply 👉https://bit.ly/3GioouE

15/01/2025

We are at Douglas Community Centre today from 12pm to assist with any benefit related enquiry. Citizens Advice Bureau, DCC housing, Employability and more will also be there

❓Need any advice or support about your finances, employment and training, housing, health, energy use or want to know more about what is happening in your local area pop into Douglas Community Centre today❗️

🕰️ Any time between 12 and 3pm😃

Douglas Community Centre LMG Douglas Food Cupboard

03/12/2024

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
~ Winter Holiday Opening Hours ~

The holidays are fast approaching, and this calendar shows when the foodbank will be open/closed throughout the end of December and beginning January.

Please note that the foodbank will be closed on Friday 27th December in addition to 25th and 26th December, and the 1st and 2nd January.

This includes the foodbanks in Arbroath and Forfar, who will be closed on Friday 27th December.

The community cafe in Dundee will be closed for the whole week beginning 23rd December, and will reopen on Friday 3rd January.

With those exceptions, the foodbank will be open as normal for donations and for collecting food parcels;

Dundee:
Monday to Friday
Donations - 10am - 4pm
Parcels - 12 - 4pm

Arbroath and Forfar:
Monday & Friday
Donations & Parcels: 1 - 3pm

Please plan accordingly, and if you have any queries, please get in touch.

18/11/2024

Today, we, along with Welfare Rights and DEEAP are at the Cost of Living event at Hilltown Community Centre, on until 5.30pm.

We have information on income maximisation, including Council Tax Reduction and also our Pension Credit uptake campaign.

Our energy team are also with us offering advice as well as draught excluders and energy saving bulbs

31/10/2024

29/10/2024

A number of events are being held to help pensioners to apply for Pension Credit.

These drop-in sessions have been arranged at various venues throughout the city where people who think they are eligible can speak to a benefits advisor face to face.

From this year, pensioners who receive pension credit are automatically eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances and looks at all income in the household as well as savings over a certain amount. Whilst savings are considered there is no upper threshold, so having savings does not necessarily mean there would be no entitlement.

Pension Credit also gives eligibility to free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses, free TV License for over 75s, amongst other benefits.

Times and Dates of each session:

Thursday 31st October, 10am-2pm at Brooksbank Centre Pitairlie Road Dundee

Friday 1st November, 11am – 3pm at Charleston Community Centre, Craigowan Road, Dundee

Monday 4th November, 11am – 3pm at Dundee and Angus Foodbank Community Cafe, St John’s Episcopal Church, Albert Street, Dundee

Thursday 7th November, 11am-3pm at Ardler Community Centre, Turnberry Avenue, Dundee

Friday 8th November, 10am-2pm at Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau ,Wellgate Centre, Dundee

Please bring documents for your benefits check, including the total savings for you and your partner, income details for all adults in the home, and recent bank statements for all accounts.

Anyone looking to get a benefits check should come along to one of these drops in events or contact us at [email protected] or via our Older Peoples Take-up Campaign line on 01382 434473.

Dundee City Council Leader Mark Flynn said: "Pension Credit can really make a difference to people, so I would encourage anyone who thinks they might be eligible to come along.

"Our team can also help to ensure that anyone who is eligible gets a backdated Winter Fuel Payment. Since this campaign was launched in February, the advisors have successfully helped older people claim benefits worth £1.5 million, which is an incredible amount of money in the pockets of older people in the city.

"In addition, the team can make sure pensioners are receiving all the eligible benefits they are entitled to.

"Whilst we are contacting people, we think are eligible directly, we are urging family members and friends to help spread the message about this and encourage people to come along to these events." https://bit.ly/3NLxKj8

15/10/2024

Pensioners across Dundee are being encouraged to apply for Pension Credit.

On average, this could be an extra £3,900 a year.

From this year, pensioners who receive pension credit are automatically eligible for the Winter Fuel Payment.

The Council’s Advice Services team will be directly targeting households that may be eligible for Pension Credit. The team will be calling, emailing and carrying out face-to-face activities to assess eligibility and assist with the application process.

In addition, the Council will be working with partners, including the DWP and Dundee Citizens Advice Bureau, in the coming weeks to encourage people to apply for this benefit.

The last date to make a successful backdated claim for Pension Credit to receive this year’s Winter Fuel Payment is 21 December. Applicants need to request 3 months backdating when a claim is made in order to qualify.

Since February this year nearly £1.5 million has been paid to the pensioners of Dundee in various benefits, with the average Pension Credit award being £63.51 per week.

Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.

Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances and looks at all the income in the household as well as savings over a certain amount. Whilst savings are considered, there is no upper threshold, so having savings does not necessarily mean there would be no entitlement.

Pension Credit also gives eligibility to free NHS dental treatment, NHS glasses, free TV License for over 75s, amongst other benefits.

Anyone looking to get a benefits check should contact us on [email protected] or via our Older Peoples Take-up Campaign line on 01382 434474.

Council Leader Mark Flynn said: “Since the launch of this campaign, we’ve managed to get nearly £1.5 million into the pockets of pensioners across the city.

“We know that many people will struggle with their heating bills over the winter period, which is why it’s so important for them to come forward and apply for Pension Credit, as this automatically makes them eligible for the Winter Fuel Allowance.

“Hundreds of people are missing out on this important payment, and that needs to change. I want to highlight the great work of the council welfare rights team who are working tirelessly to contact pensions across Dundee to check eligibility and help them with their application.

“I have no doubt that without their hard work, many more pensioners would be struggling this winter.

“If you know someone who you think is eligible, please do get in touch with our team so that they can carry out a check for you.”

23/02/2024

Our first drop in session is on Monday. We are at Brooksbank 10-2 and also Ardler Community Centre 12-4. Come along and speak to one of our advisers who can advise and assist. Further details in the following link https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/news/article?article_ref=4643&fbclid=IwAR2neeriBvG82hNiNmX8gWjRorXMuIyRYCvakidoxKkK0G5udm1uJLmWvJQ_aem_AbuUWKU6YJ80CAYCv-4fgyi3135136tcFxaX6BQ5dI5XzgeRjcCxjclwJ5Fi9wWBwZQ

21/02/2024

Several events are being held next week to encourage and help pensioners to apply for Pension Credit. Full details are in the attached post. Please share with friends, neighbours and family who may be interested

Several events are being held next week to encourage and help pensioners to apply for Pension Credit.

These drop-in sessions have been arranged at various venues throughout the city where people who think they are eligible can speak to a benefits advisor face to face.

Pension Credit is a payment for those whose income is less than the UK Government states someone over Pension age should receive.

Entitlement to Pension Credit depends on a person’s circumstances

Council Leader and Older People’s spokesperson John Alexander said: “Billions of pounds of benefits go unclaimed each year and a substantial proportion is for those over state pension age, we know this extra money could be a lifeline for people during the cost-of-living crisis.

“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to come along to one of these sessions and find out if they can get pension credit, or any other financial help. Friends and families are also welcome where staff can check their circumstances and what extra income they may be eligible for.

“The council and partners are here to help people during the cost-of-living crisis. We have a dedicated team ready to help, they do incredible work to make sure people get all the help they are entitled to.”

Full details - https://bit.ly/49pifGE

17/08/2023

🌟 Connecting Carers Cafe - Maryfield Carers 🌟

🗓️ Weds August 30th
🕚 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
📍 C-Gate Centre, Seagate Dundee

Don't miss this opportunity to meet Chris Adams, Financial Inclusion Officer for Maryfield, who will provide benefits checks and financial support.

There is also a chance to find out about support available while enjoying a friendly social atmosphere and light refreshments ☕🍰

Booking is not necessary drop in any time between 11am and 12,30pm for a coffee and a chat. If you would like further information contact Sofia on 07776379631.

IYN Maryfield Stobswell Forum SCIO, Dundee Connect, Dundee City Council

06/07/2023

Yay! Free Holiday Activities and Free lunches from Dundee Bairns
Save the dates
First session will be held at Malcolm Street Playpark on Thursday 06th July at 12.00 noon until 2pm
Please share 🎉🥳

06/07/2023

Today we are at the Dundee International Women’s Centre until 2pm. Come along to say hello and meet Chris who can assist with benefit claims and income maximisation