Young families and pensioners are saving millions on heating costs through free, over the phone, benefit checks.

Nearly 10,000 Scottish households have been referred for benefit checks since the launch of the government's energy saving hotline last Spring, securing over £1.6 million in savings.

Elderly people have been helped to increase their income by on average £26 a week.

Families with children have been helped to claim an extra £42 a week on average.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil said: "The free benefits checks have changed people's lives, helping the poorest and most vulnerable elderly bank millions in unclaimed benefits.

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"With high energy prices and the economic downturn, household budgets are tight so this help is more important than ever.

"For many this will mean the difference between having to make a choice between being able to heat their home and other basic living costs."

The national 'open all year' £60 million scheme - the Energy Assistance Package - offers households energy savings advice, tax and benefit entitlement help and advice on how to get cheaper energy tariffs.

It also offers eligible households, a range of energy efficiency measures including free loft or cavity wall insulations and grants for central heating systems.

For further details about the Energy Assistance Package please free phone 0800 512 012 or visit www.energyassistancepackage.com.

(GK)