Thousands of Brighton and Hove’s poorest pensioners are living in unnecessary poverty because they are not claiming Pension Credit, according to charity Independent Age.

Using figures in a report by the Department for Work and Pensions, the charity has calculated there are about 5,200 pensioners in Brighton and Hove who are struggling as “vital benefits” go unclaimed. Pension Credit is a basic benefit intended to top-up the state pensions of the poorest from £110.15 to a minimum of £145.40 per week.

Victoria Richards, head of Advice and Support at Independent Age, said: “With rising prices a huge source of anxiety to many pensioners, Pension Credit really can make all the difference to those in later life.”

The extra £35.25 would help with costs such as prescriptions, glasses and the dentist, as well as being a passport to other benefits including council tax and housing benefits.

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Jessica Sumner, chief executive of Age UK Brighton and Hove, said she believes the reason so many pensioners fail to claim is because the benefit system is so complicated and many people simply assume they are not eligible for pension credit.

“It’s not just about money – it changes how people think about expenditures they have,” explained Miss Sumner.

“Certainly in winter we don’t want a message that you are managing OK if you are living in one room throughout winter.

“What’s important is getting the message that extra help is available out there as much as possible and we regularly send advisErs out to community venues to offer free advice.”

“If people want to know where to get advice or they wish to speak to someone over the phone they should call 01273 720603.”

Independent Age has nowlaunched a free Wise Guide book to help the city’s poorest pensioners put more pounds into their pockets.

The books are filled with essential information for those over 65 covering issues ranging from income and finance to getting help at home and advice for carers.

Independent Age’s Wise Guide books are available to order online at http://www.independentage.org/advic e/order-your-wise-guides or over the phone on 0845 262 1863.

For more advice on Pension Credits and to calculate how much you could be entitled to, visit www.gov.uk/pension-credit.