MARTIN Lewis has urged everyone aged 66 or over to do an urgent check, or risk missing out on £3,300 a year.
Writing in his latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Martin said it was a "national tragedy" thatalmost a million pensioners are missing out on help they are eligible for.
The warning centres on Pension Credit, a valuable benefit for those of retirement age worth thousands of pounds every year.
Martin Lewis said that those aged 66 or older with a total weekly income below £200 need to do the check urgently.
He said: "I'm not saying everyone in this position is entitled to pension credit, but many are, so it's worth spending five minutes to check. The worst that can happen is they say no."
Those who qualify for the benefit will get additional help this year through Chancellor Rishi Sunak's cost of living rescue package.
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Under his measures, those on benefits including Pension Credit will get an extra £650 to help cover the cost of essentials this year.
Meanwhile, low income pensioners could get an extra £300 Winter Fuel Payment.
How to claim Pension Credit
To find out if you're due extra money, head to the government's website: www.gov.uk/pensioncredit.
Alternative you can call 0800 99 1234, or you can apply by post if you fill in the claim form.
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You'll need to include your partner's details on your application, if you have one – this could be a husband, wife, civil partner, or someone you cohabit with.
According to the Government website, you'll typically be eligible if either you and your partner have reached State Pension age, or one of you is getting Housing Benefit for people over State Pension age.
When you apply, your income will be calculated and any savings and investments you have will be taken into account.
You can apply any time after you reach State Pension age, but your application can only be backdated by three months so it's always best to apply sooner rather than alter.
How much could I get?
Pension Credit provides extra cash for pensioners on a low income, and could boost your weekly income up to £182.60 for a single person and £278.70 for couples.
The help could be worth up to £3,300 – and anyone who is a carer or disabled can qualify for higher payments.
If you have a severe disability you could get an extra £69.40 a week or an additional £38.85 if you are a carer.
There are also extra allowances for claimants who are responsible for children.
The Government estimates that around £1.5billion in Pension Credit has gone unclaimed – and it's thought that almost a million pensioners could be missing out on money they're entitled to.
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said earlier this year: "Claiming Pension Credit alone could have a life-changing impact by opening the door to a wealth of additional support.
"Any older person who is finding it difficult to pay their bills, or who is worried about staying warm, can call us today – if we help you to submit a successful claim it could make all the difference."
You can contact Age UK by phone on 0800 678 1602.
What other help can older people get?
Those who have reached State Pension age could be eligible for more financial support, particularly if they're on a low income.
Over 75s on pension credit can get a free TV licence, for example, and you could also be entitled to a reduction on your council tax.
Martin has called Pension Credit a "gateway benefit" as if you receive it, you may be able to get additional help because you are a claimant.
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Other help you may be eligible for includes the Warm Home Discount, Housing Benefitand free home insulation and boiler grants.
If you're still not sure if you can get help, Entitledto's free calculator works out whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credits and Universal Credit.
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