Alyn and Deeside MP urges constituents to check if they are eligible for pension credit

Almost two million older people aged 65 and over are living in poverty in the UK. Pension Credit is the income-related benefit designed to lift them out of poverty, but it is estimated that more than two in five pensioner households who are entitled to Pension Credit do not receive it.

There are more than 1.3 million pensioners across Great Britain missing out on £3.5 billion in Pension Credit every year. In Alyn and Deeside £4,109,000 is unclaimed.

The charity Independent Age has launched a new campaign - Credit Where It’s Due - which calls on the Government to make sure that everyone who is entitled to Pension Credit receives it.

Mark Tami MP supports the campaign and has urged his constituents to check their eligibility.

Mr Tami said: “The Labour Party has always made tackling pensioner poverty a priority.

"I was disgusted with the Tories announcing they will be scrapping free TV licences for over 75s – something that will only drive even more pensioners into poverty.

“Pension Credit is there to help those pensioners who are struggling to make ends meet. It’s so important that those who are entitled to it do actually claim it.

“I am a firm believer in Independent Age’s campaign as I believe the Government should reform the benefit so more money can go in the pockets of older people.”

Anyone who wishes to read Independent Age’s full report can visit:

To check eligibility, visit the Gov website