Pensioners are being advised to not “miss out” on claiming pension credit in order to cut down on the number of older people living in poverty in boroughs across London.

Age UK Enfield, Ponders End, has partnered with the “Know Your Rights” campaign to help support pensioners in Enfield who need further advice with claiming their pension and extra credit.

The charity is now holding one to one sessions with trained advisors for people who want their pension calculated, help with filling out forms or just need general information about their circumstances.

The campaign comes after the Greater London Authority estimated that around 200,000 “older Londoners” are living in poverty because they are not receiving money they are entitled to.

Alan Weinstock, interim operations director at Age UK Enfield, said: “We want to make sure older people in Enfield have plenty of support and advice available for them to make sure they enjoy a comfortable retirement.”

The “Know Your Rights” campaign aims to make sure older people across London don’t miss out on the £470 million worth of benefits not being claimed each year, including Pension Credit.

Last year, the campaign helped pensioners to claim an estimated £1.2 million in benefits that would have otherwise gone unclaimed.

Throughout London, one in three pensioners are “missing out” on Pension Credit worth an average of £23 a week, or £1,200 a year, simply because they are not aware that they can claim, or because they feel too embarrassed.

This is money that can make a real difference when it comes to being able to heat their homes during the winter months and budgeting for the weekly food shop.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, also supports the campaign urging pensioners to check that they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.

He said: ‘It is vital that older Londoners get all the support they are entitled to including Pension Credit, a benefit that will make a big difference to their lives, particularly during the cold winter months.

“I urge all pensioners across the capital to visit or call their local Age UK centre to seek advice and ensure they get all the benefits and support that they are eligible for.’

The free Age UK sessions at Vincent House in Ponders End are available every Monday to Friday between 10am to 3pm.

For advice about benefits, The Age UK Enfield advice line is 020 8375 4124