Pensioners urged to check state payments NOW with fears retirees missing out on thousands

The number missing out has ensured up to £1.7billion of available Pension Credit remains unclaimed.

The Pension Credit Scheme was created to help Britons older than the 65-year-old retirement age with daily living costs.

The scheme particularly hopes to help those on low income.

However, the Department for Work & Pensions has stressed individuals do not need to be in receipt of State Pension to rake in extra cash.

The Pension Scheme is worth a whopping £3,500 a year on average.

It is currently helping 1.4 million pensioners in the United Kingdom.

But the DWP is launching the ‘Invitation to Claim’ mailing trial to help ensure eligible Britons get the support they are eligible to receive.

The trial means letters are sent to eligible households who receive Housing Benefit across 10 local authorities encouraging them to apply for Pension Credit.

Eastbourne, Teignbridge, Pendle, Charnwood, Vale of White Horse, Redcar & Cleveland, Craven, Harrow, Powys and West Lothian were selected for the trial in what the Government has dubbed a “representative sample”.

Charities and broadcasters are assisting the Government in informing retirees about the programme.

The benefit tops up a person’s income to a minimum of £201.05 per week for single pensioners and to £306.85 for couples.

Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott, who was made Pensions Minister when Rishi Sunak succeeded Liz Truss as Prime Minister, said: “We recognise the challenges some pensioners will be facing with the cost of living which is why, alongside driving down inflation, promoting Pension Credit is a priority.

“During the Week of Action, we will be out and about spreading the word – and you can help too.

“Speak to your older loved ones about Pension Credit and get them to check if they could be eligible for this vital extra support, worth an average of £3,500 per year.”

The Pension Credit scheme comes with other benefits which could help retirees further.

These include help with housing costs, council tax and heating bills.

Pensioners could also receive up to £600 in extra cost of living payments later this year too.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, said: “It’s a tragedy that up to a million low income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up.

“And even those only due thruppence from it should still claim as Pension Credit is the key gateway benefit that opens the door to many other entitlements – including the remaining £600 cost of living support, council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.

“Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the pension credit helpline just in case you may be due.”