Eric Joyce

Labour Party | Falkirk

Claiming the minimum income guarantee made easier for pensioners

Eric Joyce MP says:

“I welcome the new, simple claim form for the Minimum Income Guarantee. Instead of having to deal with 40 pages of complicated and often irrelevant questions, pensioners in Falkirk West will only need to fill in a simple ten page form.”

This is the first major revamp to the form since 1998. It has been reduced in size from 40 pages to 10 – a cut of 75 per cent. Out go irrelevant questions and unnecessary complications. In comes a simpler, better targeted approach.

Eric Joyce MP continued:

“Already 2,700 pensioners in Falkirk West are benefiting from the MIG. This year it has been fixed at £92 for single pensioners and £140 for pensioner couples.

“However, I suspect that more may be entitled to it but are reluctant to claim because the process has been unnecessarily complicated. That's why it's important to simplify things.

“With the new form, claiming the MIG has never been so easy. I hope that any pensioners in Falkirk West who have been deterred from claiming their due in the past will now be encouraged to apply.”

Pensioners who think they might be entitled to the Minimum Income Guarantee can get help by calling the free MIG claim line - 0800 028 11 11 - and giving their details over the phone to an operator. It will take 20 minutes.

Note

The Minimum Income Guarantee is the benefit which supports the incomes of less well off pensioners.

The new MIG form has been produced by the Department of Work and Pensions in consultation with pensioners and their organisations. It has been widely welcomed, for example by Age Concern.

Eric Joyce MP

Serving the communities of Falkirk West