Thousands of people could be missing out on £218 a week in pension credit, the Department for Work and Pensions has warned.
Around 1.4 million households are getting financial aid already and the government tweeted on Tuesday that others could be eligible too.
Any help would be welcome to Londoners reaching retirement age, with Age UK reporting that a “great unretirement” could be seen due to working conditions in the capital.
The charity also found that around one-quarter of older Londoners are living in poverty.
Pension credit is a tax-free benefit for those who have reached the retirement age and live in the UK.
It works by topping up weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level which is set to be £218.15 for a single person and £332.95 for a couple.
The DWP has given the alert ahead of the state pension set to rise in value from April.
“With pension credit you could get additional financial help, plus other support including a free TV Licence for over 75s,” the tweet read.
Here is how it works.
Are you eligible for pension credit?
You must live in England, Scotland or Wales to qualify although the small print does allow nationals from some other European nations. More on that here.
To be eligible, you must also have reached the state pension age, which does vary - and can be calculated on the government’s own website here.
“When you apply for pension credit your income is calculated. If you have a partner, your income is calculated together,” the DWP states.
“If your income is higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs.”
More details about income and availability can be found here.
