A third eligible for pension credit not claiming

The Department for Work and Pensions says pension credit is worth more than £3,900 each year on average

One in three people eligible for pension credit in a county have not been claiming the benefit.

Cambridgeshire County Council said it set up a new web page to help people to find out if they qualify.

Pension credit varies in value and is paid to people over the state pension age on a low income.

Alex Bulat, the vice-chair of the Communities, Social Mobility and Inclusion Committee at the authority, said: “The extra money could go a long way towards household bills – especially as the winter approaches."

By claiming pension credit an individual can also unlock other benefits, such as winter fuel payments.

These were previously available to all pensioners but, under changes brought in by the government in July, only those who claim pension credit or other means-tested benefits will receive them.

The Department for Work and Pensions said pension credit was worth on average more than £3,900 each year. The amount received depends on a variety of factors.

The benefit is available to older people on an income of less than £218.15 a week or less than £332.95 as a joint weekly income. Savings are also taken into account.

Those who claimed it would also receive £200 towards energy costs in November or December, or £300 if they were over 80.

Claiming pension credit can also unlock several other benefits including a free TV licence for people over 75, help with NHS dental treatment, hospital transport costs and council tax discounts. In most cases, a separate application must be made.

Bulat, a Labour councillor, said: “I am very concerned that up to one in three people in Cambridgeshire who may be eligible for pension credit are not claiming it.

“The extra money could go a long way towards household bills – especially as the winter approaches and older people may be worried about how they will heat their homes, eat well and stay healthy.”