Pensioners and Poverty

Pensioner poverty in Scotland has been rising with around 15% of pensioners in Scotland experiencing poverty. 

There are 30,867 people in West Lothian receiving the state pension. Of these, 3,672 (11.9%) receive Pension Credits to ensure a minimum income. This rate is equal to the Scottish level.

Age Scotland's National Housing Survey for older people identified that 39% of pensioners are living in fuel poverty in 2023, compared to 19% in 2021.

In West Lothian, there are around 2,600 people aged over 65 in employment in 2024. This counts for around 8% of the over-65 population. (Source Retirement Voice 2024 - Standard Life)

The number of pensioners claiming means tested top-up benefit Pension Credit has noticeably decreased in West Lothian since 2012, and take-up rate has continued to fall over the last five years. This may be due to lack of awareness of entitlement or reluctance to claim as there is an estimated £5 million unclaimed Pension Credit in West Lothian alone.