The tax- free payment, which for single pensioners tops up a weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level of £182.60, or £278.60 for couples. The benefit is also a ''vital gateway'' for claimants to be entitled to to other help such as council tax relief, support for dental costs, housing benefit, the £25 weekly winter fuel payment and the one-off cost of living payment of £650 (up to £900 from May 2023.)

Across the city 7,594 claim Pension Credit with 75,097 successfully claiming it across our region. Yet three out 10 pensioners both in the city and across the north- east haven't claimed and nationally a staggering 850,000 eligible pensioners don't claim partly out of a lack of awareness or feel, often wrongly, they aren't entitled.

Many people of state pension age are simply missing out on these top-up payments and could be losing out up to £56 a week.  It's important that more come forward and apply for Pension Credit which could make a key diffference in helping people meet their essential needs and avoid falling into poverty.

Older residents and their carers can check if they are eligible by using the online calculator on the Gov.uk website, to find out how much they can claim. City residents can get practical help with form filling by visiting Newcastle Citizens Advice at Newcastle's Central Library or The Haven in Kenton (every Tuesday morning).  Finally they can ring the Council's Welfare Rights advice line on 0191 277 2627.

In Kenton local residents can visit our fortnightly face-to-face welfare rights sessions at Kenton library every other Thursday 9.30am  to 1.00pm, no appointment needed.