About £2 million a year in Pension Credit is going unclaimed by older people living in the Swindon area, according to Age Concern Swindon.

The benefit was introduced by the Government last October.

It is believed that as many as 4,800 people in Swindon may be failing to claim it, in spite of being fully entitled.

And some of them could be due a share of another £1 million because entitlement can be backdated to last October.

"Pension Credit is easy to claim but difficult to under-stand," said Val Newell, benefits service manager at Age Concern Swindon.

"Claims can be made by phone on 0800 99 1234 and provided you have all your details by you, it needn't take long.

"But however easy it is, many people haven't claimed because they don't like having to reveal lots of personal information.

"Pension Credit is means-tested and how much you get depends on your other income and the amount of savings you have, if any."

Pension Credit comes in two parts. For people of 60 and over it replaced income support or the minimum income guarantee last October.

But for people aged 65 or over, the new savings credit is designed by the Government to reward people with a slightly higher weekly income who have been able to save toward their retirement.

They are among the largest group who have not yet claimed and who could gain the most.

A free booklet about benefits and pensions is available from Age Concern Swindon.

People are welcome to call on 01793 692166, or drop in to the charity's headquarters at 14 Milton Road to pick one up.