As we approach the winter months, Age Cymru is urging older people in Wales to maximise their income by claiming all their benefits and entitlements.

Last year the Age Cymru Partnership helped older people across the country claim more than £7.5m, but it wants to do so much more.

Sadly, millions of pounds worth of support, including £200m worth of Pension Credit, go unclaimed in Wales each year.

Gavin Thomas, Head of Programmes and Services says, “It’s such a shame that so many older people are missing out on financial support to which they are entitled. This is money that they could use to help pay for their food and fuel bills.

“We hear from people who are put off claiming because they have had their applications turned down previously, but we would urge them to try again as their circumstances may have changed.

“Older people have contributed to the welfare system for most of their working lives, so they are very much entitled to seek the support they need.”

The charity publishes a guide called More Money in Your Pocket that offers information about a range of benefits and how to go about claiming them. The full range of money guides are available free of charge from Age Cymru Advice.

If you want to talk to someone directly about benefits and entitlements, so you can make sure you’re not one of those missing out, call the charity on 0300 303 44 98 (charged at a local rate) Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. You may also email [email protected] or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/advice.