SENIOR citizens in Inverclyde are believed to be missing out on almost £350k in pension credits each year.

According to latest UK Government statistics, only 73 per cent of the total amount of pension credit available has been claimed, with 880,000 pensioners across the country missing out on what they were entitled to.

Councillor Martin McCluskey has been told by Municipal Buildings officials that around 150 local pensioners may be among them.

But other estimates suggest the figure could be even higher than this.

On average, households who were eligible for the payments and did not claim lost out on £2,200 per year of income.

Even with the 'conservative estimate' of 150 pensioners missing out, this would represent a loss of £330,000 to older people across Inverclyde.

Cllr McCluskey is now urging pensioners in the district to urgently check if they are eligible for the payment, as winter bites and energy costs and household bills soar.

He said: “We are now in the middle of winter and with the cost of living crisis carrying on, it’s more important than ever that people receive every penny they are eligible for.

“You are eligible for pension credit if you are over state pension age and have a weekly income of less than £201.05 if you are single, or £306.85 for a couple.

“I would encourage everyone who thinks they might be eligible to check and get in touch with the council’s advice service who can help you to claim."

Mr McCluskey says that access to the pension credit is important as it is also a gateway to other benefits.

He told the Tele: “Even if you are only entitled to a small amount of pension credit, it’s important to claim.

"It also opens up entitlement to other benefits, such as the free TV licence for over-75s and the warm home discount.”

Residents who need help with claiming pension credit can access advice by calling 01475 715299.