Our work in Scottish Parliament
We ensure the voices of older people living in poverty are heard by those with political power in Scotland.
Today, 156,000 pensioners are in poverty in Scotland – put simply, too many older people don’t have enough to live on.
Support our Scottish Election Manifesto
Security not struggle: A manifesto to reduce pensioner poverty
We're calling for all political parties to take the issue of pensioner seriously as we approach the May 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
Join our movement
For too many older people in Scotland, retirement is leading to financial hardship.
We're calling for a change in the system to deliver security in later life.
Campaign with us to help make this happen.
Scottish election campaigner resources
Below is material you can download and keep. It may help you engage with people who knock on your door from any political party, or if you attend a hustings and would like some suggested questions to hand.
If you would prefer any of the material to be posted to you, please email campaigns@independentage.org and we will arrange this for you.
Door hanger — A printable template for you to keep, featuring five suggested questions to ask anyone who visits your home on behalf of a political party.
Hustings document — A resource to take with you to any hustings, highlighting Independent Age’s priorities and suggested points to raise.
Download our campaigner leaflet
Learn how you can help older people in poverty by campaigning with us.
We are campaigning for change
For a pensioner poverty strategy
No one should have to live in poverty. But currently this is the reality for too many older people in Scotland. It’s time for a strategic plan to address this. Read our briefing, Building a pensioner poverty strategy for Scotland, to learn more.
For affordable, secure housing
Unaffordable housing costs are pushing older renters into poverty. At the same time, the number of older people being made homeless has risen. It’s time to make sure all older people have the right to an affordable, secure place to call home. Learn more in our report, Homing in.
For a decent and dignified social security system
Every older person should have enough income to live a decent life. We campaign to make the social security system work as well as possible for older people in Scotland.
For lower energy bills
With a cool climate, an ageing population and energy-inefficient housing stock, we need action to make sure the homes we live in help to reduce, rather than increase, energy bills for older people.
For an Older People’s Commissioner
An Older People’s Commissioner (OPC) can act as a champion for the rights and interests of older people. The majority of older people in Scotland want to see this role created. Find out more in our OPC report.
The national picture in Scotland
An ageing population
- Almost 1 in 5 people are State Pension age or over – a total one-million people
Income poverty
- 1 in 7 pensioners live in poverty
Fuel poverty
- More than 1 in 3 older households are in fuel poverty
Renters and poverty
- 3 in 10 pensioners who rent their home are in poverty
Pension Credit and Housing Benefit
- We estimate that up to 70,000 older households aren’t receiving the Pension Credit they are entitled to, worth a combined £140 million
- We estimate that up to 22,800 pension-age households are missing out on Housing Benefit worth a combined £100 million
Older People’s Economic Wellbeing Index: Scotland 2024-25
This inaugural publication is a nationally representative poll of people aged 66+, commissioned by Independent Age and conducted by the Diffley Partnership.
With the number of pensioners in poverty in Scotland increasing by 30% over the past decade – now at 156,000 – the 2024-25 Index provides a deeper insight into the financial wellbeing of older people in Scotland today. It demonstrates the scale of the income, costs and housing pressures faced by older people living on a low income across Scotland.
Read our Scottish Election Manifesto
Get advice and support for older people
Read our policy reports and consultations
Read our media statements
Get in touch with us by email