RESEARCH shows more than 2,700 pensioner households in Stretford and Urmston are missing out on £6,115,000 of Pension Credit.

Older people’s charity, Independent Age has launched its new Credit Where It’s Due campaign to address the issue.

Pension Credit is a benefit available to help the poorest pensioners make ends meet.

Since the last General Election, it is claimed the government has held on to £7 billion (£3.5 billion each year) in unclaimed Pension Credit.

Kate Green MP is supporting the Credit Where It’s Due campaign and is calling on the government to commit to a 75 per cent take-up target of Pension Credit by 2020.

This would lift 500,000 out of poverty, putting an additional £1.25 billion into the pockets of pensioners.

The MP has written to the Department of Work and Pensions on behalf of her constituents missing out on pension credit. She said: “Pension Credit can transform the lives of older people in our community, allowing them to live with dignity and independence, and we must ensure that the poorest pensioners are protected.

“That’s why I’m pleased to be backing Independent Age’s campaign to press the government on pension credit. More of the same will not deliver the change that is urgently needed.”

George McNamara, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said: “Older people continue to miss out on an average of £61 a week in Pension Credit because the system doesn’t work for them. This support could offer a vital lifeline.”