MILLIONS of pensioners are struggling to make ends meet, and are suffering real hardship. And yet many are entitled to Pension Credit they never claim.

A recent survey by Turn2us has revealed startling statistics on the plight of pensioners in today’s society.

A report published only last month suggested that a staggering eight in ten of those eligible for Pension Credit were simply not taking it up.

According to the charity, these results are particularly troubling because over the past six months, a quarter of those surveyed have struggled to pay household bills, a third have had difficulties covering housing costs, one in ten has had to miss one of their three meals a day, and over half have struggled to buy clothes for themselves.

The amount of unclaimed Pension Credit for 2008/09 was between £1,630million and £2,930million. Current pensioners have to grapple with a terribly complicated system, which can deter them from claiming when they potentially could.

I would like to emphasise to your readers how vitally important it is that current pensioners and those that will retire before the state pension changes come in to effect, are aware of their potential welfare entitlement.

All they have to do is access the benefits checker at www.turn2us.org.uk and check what they may be entitled to, how much and where to claim.

If your readers can spread the message, together we’ll begin to break down barriers so that older people in financial need start claiming what they may be entitled to.

Esther Rantzen CBE, pictured, Ambassador, Turn2us, Shepherd’s Bush Road, London