RECENT research by Prudential has revealed a wide gap between the funds today’s pensioners survive on, and how much they need in order to live comfortably.

Our own survey, published in April, suggests that a staggering eight out of ten of those eligible for pension credit are simply not taking it up.

These results are of particular concern because, over the last six months, one in ten of respondents had to miss one of their three meals a day, a third have had difficulties covering their housing costs, a quarter had struggled to pay household bills, and over half struggled to buy clothes.

The amount of unclaimed pension credit for 2008-09 was between £1,630m and £2,930m.

Pensioners have to deal with a terribly complicated system, which often deters them from claiming much-needed funds.

I would like to remind your readers of how important it is that pensioners are aware of their potential welfare benefits entitlement.

It is easy to access the free Turn2us benefits checker and establish entitlement, how much is available and where to claim.

Anyone without internet access can do this via our helpline, on 0808-802-2000, while those with access to a computer can visit turn2us.org.uk We aim to break down barriers so that older people in financial need have the information they need to claim what they are entitled to and we hope your readers will help to spread this important message.

Alison Taylor, Director of Turn2us.