Pensioners in West Dunbartonshire living on a low income with a partner of working age are being advised to urgently check their eligibility for pension credit and housing benefit and put in a claim before the rules change on May 15.

The UK Government’s change, announced during the first "meaningful" vote on Brexit in January, will see the right to claim pension credit and housing benefit withdrawn from future claimants who happen to have a partner who hasn’t yet reached their own pensionable age.

Age Scotland is urging anyone who may be entitled to claim benefits to call its helpline for a free benefit and entitlements check before May 15.

Brian Sloan, the charity's chief executive, said: “These changes will have a devastating impact on the lives of some of the poorest pensioners in Scotland.

"Around one in six pensioners living in Scotland are in poverty and this retrograde move will do nothing to improve this.

READ MORE: New payment will help low income families in West Dunbartonshire

“Beyond the pension credit support, these mixed age couples could also miss out on a range of ‘passported benefits’ such as housing benefit, council tax reduction, cold weather payments, support for dental and eyecare costs, perhaps even the warm home discount.

"All in, this could mean that the loss of financial support for those on the lowest income could be well over £7,000 a year.

"That is wholly unacceptable and the UK Government must change course.

“It is vital that older people ensure that they claim everything they are entitled to."

The Age Scotland helpline offers free benefit and entitlement checks and can support older people with pension credit claims.

Call 0800 12 44 222 before the May 15 for information and advice about the changes.