Pensioners across Wimbledon could be losing out

Nearly 3 thousand pensioners across Wimbledon could be missing out on an extra £5 a week in benefits.

Carers and pensioners are being urged by the London Mayor's office to check that they are receiving what they should.

They say that older people often feel there is a stigma to claiming all the benefits they are eligible for.

Many pensioners are said to be unaware that they are entitled to Pension Credit, or unclear about how to claim, with one in three of those who are eligible missing out.

Other vulnerable groups that could be entitled to extra help include London's carers, with more than 30,000 across the capital estimated to be missing out on up to £58.45 a week in Carers' Allowance.

To combat people who are not as clued up on handouts, The Know Your Rights campaign is now underway.

Older Londoners and carers are being urged to call Age UK, or contact their local Citizens Advice Bureaux for a benefits check.

Carers can also contact their local carers' centre for information.

The Age UK number is 0800 169 6565.

Age UK are also running several awareness-raising events across London aimed at helping older people to find out if they can claim help.