Credit Crunch

BBC Three Counties has teamed up with the Department for Work and Pensions and CSV to help thousands of people across the county claim Pension Credit - many are still missing out on up to £5 billion each year!

Worrying about money is often the norm for today's pensioners. Many rely on their savings for everyday living, and the recent spate of financial instability has hit some hard. After all, as well as losing interest on their savings, pensioners are also battling against rising food and fuel bills - leaving many poverty stricken.

Women are often on the lowest pensions

In fact, according to Age Concern, a total of 2.5 million pensioners are living in poverty and 1.5 million are in deep poverty - they don't realise they may be eligible for Pension Credit, which is a tax free entitlement.

Many older people believe they can't get additional money because they have some savings, own a home, or have an occupational pension - this might not be the case and they could be missing out on Pension Credit and access to other benefits, for example help with heating, housing, or council tax costs.

Lillian Davis, 80, from Bedford explained that a mixture of pride and financial uncertainty initially stopped her from contacting the Department for Work and Pensions:

"I gave in and called them in the end, I was struggling to live on my state pension and dwindling savings."

"The difference getting Pension Credit has made to my life is incredible, I no longer worry so much about my finances, which is a relief with a capital 'R'!  I would urge anyone to find out what they might be entitled to."

Find out what you (or someone you know) might be entitled to by contacting the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 731 4811 (Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm) or by visiting their website.