Help is available for people across the borough applying for Pension Credit.

Trafford Council has urged all eligible residents to apply for the top-up.

This boost is essential for the elderly, as it opens up eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, Warm Home Discount, lower water bills, and free TV licences.

The council estimates that "around £6.15m in Pension Credit goes unclaimed" annually in Trafford, a figure that is increasing.

Eligible people who do not apply for Pension Credit before December 21 will miss out on the support they are entitled to through the Winter Fuel payment.

Trafford Council’s executive member for healthy and independent lives, Cllr Jane Slater, said: "My sincere thanks goes to the groups and organisations who have come forward to help with this process.

"It is extremely important that those people who are eligible for the tops ups apply for them as soon as possible and, if you need help, please contact one of the groups.

"This really important as eligible older people will miss out on the support they are entitled to through the Winter Fuel payment if they do not apply for Pension Credit before December 21."

Besides the council, several organisations have come forward to assist people with the application process.

The Trafford Council Welfare Rights Team, Stretford Advice Hub, and Age UK Trafford are all offering help along with Trafford Carers Centre, African Caribbean Care Group (ACCG) and Learn, Motivate, Change, Prosper (LMCP).

These organisations, along with the council, aim to ensure that all eligible residents get the Pension Credit they are entitled to, as it may also open up eligibility for Housing Benefit and/or Council Tax Support.