By James Rodger

Copyright birminghammail

A warning has been issued for 700,000 state pensioners who are STILL missing out on support. One expert has cautioned eligible households against delaying their claims for Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP ) Pension Credit – as they could be due up to £4,300 a year. Lisa Picardo, Chief Business Officer UK at PensionBee, commented: “With around 700,000 eligible pensioner households still missing out on support worth up to £4,000 a year according to the Work and Pensions Committee, the scale of the challenge is undeniable. “Pension Credit is not only vital extra income for some of the most vulnerable older people, it is also a gateway to further help such as cost of living payments and winter fuel payments. READ MORE Drivers in England face new midday to 8pm ban from September 21 “Low take-up rates, which have hovered between 61% and 66% for over a decade according to the government’s own data, underline how urgently we need clearer communication, simpler claims processes and a joined-up national strategy to ensure every eligible household receives what they are entitled to,” she added. She said: “No one should face pensioner poverty because of an administrative barrier or lack of awareness. “Today’s figures show that despite the expansion of the Winter Fuel Payment last summer delivering a clear boost to Pension Credit claims, momentum is already fading, with new claims down 16% so far compared to the equivalent period last year.” To claim Pension Credit, you can either claim online on GOV.UK (if you already claim State Pension and there aren’t any children or young people included in your claim) OR call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm). It can be helpful to have the following details to hand before you get started