Pensioners have missed out on as much as £5.5bn in benefits

The charity Age UK earlier this year hit out at the Government over figures showing that a staggering £5.5billion in benefits went unclaimed by pensioners in 2011. Michelle Mitchell at Age UK said earlier this year that it is was disappointing there had been no progress in pensioners getting the cash they were entitled to. Age UK is calling on the Government to pay benefits automatically, rather than forcing pensioners to have to navigate their way through the benefits system to make a claim. Michelle Mitchell at Age UK said ‘With 1.8 million pensioners living in poverty it is essential something is done to improve take-up of benefits such as Pension Credit,’ ‘Claiming this benefit can make a huge difference to someone’s income and quality of life.’ The Pension Credit guarantees those on the State pension a minimum weekly single income of £142.70 or £219.70 for couples. For more information on this, please click on: https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/overview https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit-calculator http://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/claiming-benefits/pension-credit/ There is a second element to the means-tested benefit called “Savings Credit” that pays extra cash to pensioners on a low income with modest savings. For more information on this, please click on: http://www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk/state-pensions/pension-credit However, pensioners must apply to receive the money. To find out if you are eligible then simply call the Pension Service free on: 0800 991 234. Age UK also has a free advice line on 0800 169 6565. Age UK urges any pensioners who are struggling or are worried about money to make contact and find out what benefits they might be entitled to.