Pensioners in Denbighshire have received more than £712,000 from unclaimed benefits in 2024.
Denbighshire County Council launched a campaign earlier this year to encourage pensioners to check if they were missing out on Pension Credit.
Citizens Advice Denbighshire backed this initiative, helping residents with applications and conducting income maximisation checks.
As a result, 98 residents have already taken advantage of this, lodging claims worth £152,741 in Pension Credit.
Other benefits identified include Attendance Allowance, Council Tax Reduction, State Pension, Housing Benefit, Energy Advice, Personal Independence Payment, and Disability Living Allowance.
Low-income pensioners are now being urged to apply for Pension Credit before the December 21 deadline to ensure they receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
The payment amounts to £200 for those born between September 23, 1944, and September 22, 1958, and £300 for those born before September 23, 1944, along with any applicable backdated Pension Credit arrears.
Pension Credit is a crucial support for older people on low incomes, boosting their weekly income to a minimum of £218.15 for single people or £332.95 for couples.
The benefit, worth an average of £3,900 a year, also provides access to additional support, including council tax, healthcare, and a free TV licence for those aged 75 or over.
Each year, an estimated £117 million in Pension Credit goes unclaimed in Wales alone.
Denbighshire County Council has already sent out two letters to local pensioners, highlighting the support available and encouraging applications.
These letters were followed by telephone calls and partnership engagement.
Councillor Gwyneth Ellis, lead member for finance, performance, and strategic assets at Denbighshire County Council, said: "I’m delighted the campaign has resulted in thousands of pounds of unclaimed benefits being identified to help pensioners in Denbighshire.
"Through proactive data and campaigns, we’re helping more people access the money they’re entitled to, making a real difference to households.
"Claiming Pension Credit is important because it acts as a gateway to other entitlements.
"Some people may only be eligible to claim a few pounds in Pension Credit so feel it's not worth claiming, but they should consider the bigger picture as it opens the door to a lot of further support including the Winter Fuel Payment."
Julie Pierce, acting chief officer at Citizens Advice Denbighshire, said: "We’re really pleased the campaign has helped so many pensioners across the county.
"Many people are really worried about their heating bills at this time of year, so I’d really encourage pensioners to contact Citizens Advice to seek support before the December 21."
The campaign has had a significant impact on people's financial stability, leading to improvements in health and mental wellbeing.
One resident, who visited the office to check if he was eligible for any additional support, discovered an unclaimed private pension lump sum of nearly £60,000 and an annual pension of £11,000.
While this meant he no longer qualified for any means-tested benefits, he was overjoyed with the outcome.
Residents can check their eligibility for Pension Credit and the amount they could receive using the pension calculator on the Government's website.
Those unsure about their eligibility or in need of assistance with their application can contact Citizens Advice Denbighshire on 01745 346 775 or visit their website.
Share