Hundreds of pensioners in East Cambridgeshire could be missing out on Pension Credit.

East Cambridgeshire District Council estimates that 600 pensioners are not claiming the benefit, which is available to those on a low income.

The council has launched a campaign to encourage people to apply for Pension Credit before December 21, to be eligible for this year's Winter Fuel Payment.

Pension Credit is available to people of pensionable age who earn less than £218 a week, or £333 for couples.

Those above the threshold may still qualify if they are carers, have a disability, or have savings under £10,000.

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The council is offering help to those who need assistance with their application.

The community advice team can be contacted, or people can attend drop-in sessions at The Grange in Ely, Soham Library, or Littleport Library.

At the last full council meeting on October 17, the council unanimously passed a motion to request changes to the government’s decision to means-test the Winter Fuel Payment, which in previous years had been paid to all pensioners.

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “The decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments, especially with such short notice and without adequate compensatory measures, is deeply unfair and will disproportionately affect the health and wellbeing of our poorest older residents.

“We know that many thousands across East Cambridgeshire sit just above the cut-off for Pension Credit and will now lose their Winter Fuel Payment.

“We want the government to address this issue and in the meantime are doing all we can to advise residents of the deadline and encourage anyone who thinks they are eligible to act now.

“We want our most vulnerable residents to be able to afford heating during the coldest months, thereby preventing 'heat or eat' dilemmas and safeguarding health.”