Official figures show only 281,460 households out of 350,000 have submitted claims. 

A recent government campaign urging more pensioners to claim attracted only an extra 129 homes in Scotland between July and September. 

To qualify, claimants must have a weekly income of less than £105.45, if they are single, or £160.95 if they have a partner. 

MP Danny Alexander, the LibDem work and pensions spokesman, said the figures showed the Government's initiative was failing to reach those most at need. 

He added: "This is yet another blow to the Chancellor's strategy of means-testing pensioners. 

"The point of means testing is to get money to those who need it - but for too many poor pensioners, the safety net is not working." 

Stephen Timms, Minister for Pension Reform, said the pension credit had helped tackle poverty across the UK. 

He added: "Since it was introduced, more than £10billion has been paid out to old people." 

Meanwhile, new care standards for the elderly in care homes and hospitals have been announced. 

Campaigners are backing the guidelines but warned the NHS the measures must be rolled out across the whole of Scotland. 

The standards call for better mouth and teeth care for dependent older people and encouragement to remain physically active. 

Glasgow pensioners are being urged to keep warm over the festive period. 
A booklet has been produced by West of Scotland Seniors Forum and the city council to tell old folk about the dangers of hypothermia. 

It follows research showing old folk in Glasgow are more likely to die from cold-related illnesses than anywhere else in Scotland.