Benefit boost for borough

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

• A MAMMOTH £1.2m in unclaimed benefits has found its way into the pockets of local people during the past year thanks to The Richmond Community Partnership (RCP).

The RCP, which comprises Richmond Council, The Pension Service and Age Concern Richmond, has now issued a plea to people who have a state pension, alerting them that they could be missing out on Pension Credit. If you are aged 60-65 and your income is less than £124.05 a week, £189.35 if you are a couple, or if you are over 65 and have modest savings and an income less than £174 a week, £255 if you are a couple, you might qualify for Pension Credit. The Credit can also serve as a passport to claiming other significant benefits, such as a reduction in your Council Tax.

Cllr Denise Carr, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing, said: "The work of the RCP has been invaluable in ensuring as many borough residents as possible receive the benefits that are available to them. Despite this, there are still many people not claiming money they are entitled to. Whether it is pension credits, care support or household advice, the RCP is on hand to provide information and I urge people to contact them if they feel they may be missing out."