Natalie Don MSP is encouraging householders in Renfrewshire who are exempt from paying Council Tax or receive a reduction to apply for a £130 Low Income Pandemic Support Payment.

The MSP for Renfrewshire North and West is welcoming the Scottish Government’s funded support for people in Renfrewshire who qualify for a Council Tax reduction or are exempt from paying due to all household occupants being under 18, care leavers, or they have impaired intelligence and social functioning caused by a learning disability, a degenerative brain disorder (e.g. Alzheimer's disease), other forms of dementia or severe/chronic mental illness.

Natalie Don MSP said: “With many families in Renfrewshire North and West facing financial challenges as we recover from the global COVID-19 pandemic, I’m pleased to see the SNP Government is providing a £130 Low Income Pandemic Support Payment to help alleviate some of the pressure caused by increased costs and lost income.

“People who qualify for this payment should already have received a letter from Renfrewshire Council about their eligibility and they will receive a second letter in the upcoming weeks containing a reference number and instructions on how to submit a claim by completing a simple form on an online portal or over the telephone.

“I encourage everyone who is eligible for the Low Income Pandemic Support Payment to ensure they apply as soon as they receive their letter so that they can start benefiting from this crucial support to ease the ongoing financial burdens as Scotland recovers from the pandemic.”

When an applicant’s submission has been processed, payment via BACS will be made in the first instance within 14 days of the application having been approved. Other payment options will be available if the claimant does not have access to banking facilities.

For more information, go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/low-income-pandemic-payment