AROUND 50 pensioners in Merkinch could be losing out by an average of £18.80 a week by not claiming for the government’s new Minimum Income Guarantee, it is estimated.

Help the Aged and Scottish Gas have produced a free booklet “Can You Claim It?” which offers clear and simple advice on eligibility and how to make a claim.

Even if a claim has been refused in the past, it could well be worth checking it out this year, they say, because the income support levels have gone up.

On Helpline number 0800 028 11 11 you can get all the help you need to claim your full entitlement.