"Around 40 percent of Welsh pensioners entitled to Pension Credit are not claiming what is rightfully theirs," warned Pensions Minister, Mike O'Brien, during his visit to Swansea and Neath Port Talbot earlier today.

Of the 600,000 pensioners in Wales, approximately 60 percent of those entitled currently claim Pension Credit, with average payments being just over £50 per week, per person. In Neath Port Talbot the average figure rises to £51.78 and in Swansea to £53.42.

During his time in Port Talbot, Mike O'Brien accompanied an adviser from the Pension Service during a home visit, where he met 86-year-old Nancy Havard, who was being assessed for Pension Credit entitlement.

Mrs Havard, who lives in sheltered accommodation, had been living off £138 per week from a state and private pension, but will now receive an extra £58 per week in Pension Credit, and an additional £67 per week in Attendance Allowance, which she is entitled to because of mobility problems, making her better off by a total of £125 per week.

She said:

"I didn't think I'd be entitled to extra money because I do have a small private pension, so this really has come as a welcome surprise.

"Up to now I've been getting by, but this extra £125 per week means I won't have to worry about paying for things quite so much."

In Neath Port Talbot there are 33,000 people over the age of 60, who are eligible for Pension Credit, yet only 9,000 households in the area currently take advantage of it. In Swansea 54,000 people are eligible, with 13,000 households in receipt of the credit.

Mike O'Brien said:

"Older people might think they can't get Pension Credit because they have some savings, own a home, or have an occupational pension. This might not be the case and they could be missing out on extra money that could make a real difference to their everyday lives.

"Getting pension credit can also give you access to other benefits, and get you help with heating, housing or council tax costs.

"I want people to call us on 0800 99 1234 and claim the money they are entitled to, either for themselves or for a family member or friend."