Our Place has learned nearly 4 million older people are entitled to Pension Credit, yet about 1 in 3 of those eligible are still not claiming it.

If you’re one of them, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of pounds a year! (We don’t use exclamation marks lightly)

There are two parts of Pension Credit – you may be eligible to receive one or both of them.

Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to a guaranteed minimum level set up the Government.

Savings Credit is extra money for people who have an income higher than the Basic State Pension or who have a small amount of savings.

• The minimum age to qualify for Guarantee Credit is gradually rising from age 60 to 66. The current minimum age for Savings Credit is 65.

• Pension Credit is means-tested so your income and savings are taken into account when it is worked out.

Pension Credit includes help towards mortgage payments and service charges for home owners, and extra money for people who receive Carers Allowance or disability benefits.

It’s worth claiming Pension Credit even if you are only entitled to a small amount, as it can help you qualify for other benefits.

Call the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234. They will ask you questions over the phone and fill the form in for you. Or visit the Direct Gov website to download a claim form.

If you’re over 60 you may also be entitled to a free bus pass. If you’re eligible for a free bus pass, you can use it anywhere in England during ‘off-peak’ times. Off-peak is:

• between 9.30 am and 11.00 pm Monday to Friday

• all day at weekends and on public holidays

In Wales, if you’re over 60 you can travel free on free on registered local bus services.  For more info visit here

In Scotland, The National Entitlement Card allows people aged 60+ and people with a disability to travel for free on local or Scottish long distance buses.

Applying for your National Entitlement card is easy, simply gather your application documents and contact your Local Authority who will guide you through the process.  For more information click here

In Northern Ireland, you’ll also qualify for free bus travel if you’re over 60. Click here for more information.

Everyone aged 75 or over can get a free TV license for their main home. The license also covers other household members living at the address.

If you’re 74 you can apply for a short term license that’ll be valid until the end of the month before your 75th birthday.

If you’re 75 or over you can apply for the free Over 75 TV License by phone.

Call TV Licensing 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 709 6050 (8.30 am to 9.00 pm Monday to Friday, Saturdays 8.30 to 5.00 pm).

You’ll be asked to give your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.

If you’re 74, you can apply for the Short Term License by also calling TV Licensing 0300 790 6131, minicom 0300 790 6050.

You’ll need to give your current TV License number along with your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.

Alternatively, you can head to the TV Licensing website by clicking here