More than 2,200 households in Trafford are missing out on Pension Credit in the midst of a cost of living crisis, according to estimates.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority and charity Independent Age are calling for people to check their eligibility for the support, which averages £65.80 per week for those who claim in the area already.

Pension Credit is a top-up to the State Pension of those who are below a certain income threshold.

Over the course of a year, an average of £65.80 per week comes to a significant total of £3421.60.

But based on uptake across the UK, it is estimated more than 2,200 households in Trafford are missing out at the time it is needed most.

Simon Hewett-Avison, director of services at Independent Age said "With the cost of living crisis set to get worse later in the year, it's vital people of State Pension age check whether they're entitled to Pension Credit. The support you could be entitled to is sitting in a pot and is going unclaimed.

"It only takes a few minutes on the phone to check whether you’re eligible and the average applicant [in the UK] gets an additional £3,300 a year."

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Those who receive Pension Credit are entitled to a range of benefits from free NHS dental treatment to a free TV licence.

They are also entitled to the government's £650 cost of living support, although this needs to be claimed before August 18.

Mr Hewett-Avision added: "Even if you’re only entitled to £1 extra a week, you can then unlock a range of benefits that could be worth up to £7,000 a year.

"We know from our research that some older people are making severe budgetary cuts just to survive.

"We’ve heard of people cutting out fresh fruit and veg from their shop, not seeing friends due to the expense of a cup of tea or delaying getting a prescription.

"Accessing Pension Credit can help with these everyday expenses."

For information and a full list of benefits, go to independentage.org/get-advice/money/benefits/pension-credit.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. Jack is the reporter for The Messenger and covers anything and everything from within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford.

To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.