Council believes £68m pension credit is unclaimed

Kent County Council estimates up to 18,000 pensioners are missing out on money they could claim

Kent County Council (KCC) said there could be as much as £68m in unclaimed pension credit across the county, with up to 18,000 people missing out.

The authority said it estimated a third of those eligible in Kent are not claiming it.

On average pension credit is worth £186 a month.

It can also lead to other benefits, such as NHS dental and optical treatment, housing benefit, a free TV licence and continuing to receive the winter fuel payment.

From autumn 2024 older people in England and Wales not on pension credit or other means-tested benefits will not get winter fuel payments, worth between £100 - £300, after the Labour government introduced new rules.

Pension credit is paid to those who have reached state pension age and are on incomes of less than £218 a week as individuals, £332 a week as a couple.

KCC leader Roger Gough said: “The Chancellor’s decision to cut winter fuel payments means there is every likelihood that some older people will begin to ration their fuel use and reduce their spending on essentials to manage the financial impacts.

"We don’t want older people having to make the choice between eating and heating.

"This money could be used to ensure that people in later life and living on a low income are not skipping meals, can afford healthy food and will feel comfortable in turning the heating on during the colder months."

Anyone who needs advice on making a claim can visit one of KCC's money hubs around the county, or get a link to the application process through the council's website here.

The government also offers an online calculator to check eligibility.