Bury North MP James Daly is backing a government campaign calling on pensioners to check if they are entitled to a funding boost.

Some older residents qualify to receive an extra £324 cost of living payment through Pension Credit.

Mr Daly is urging Bury residents to check if they are entitled to this cash boost.

There are already 3,992 claimants of Pension Credit in Bury but around a quarter of people who could claim the extra help do not currently do so.

Pension Credit is a top up for the most vulnerable pensioners that is worth an average of £3,500.

As well as a cash top up to the state pension, this can help pensioners access other support such as help with housing costs, council tax reduction schemes, heating bills and a free over-75s TV licence.

Checking eligibility and applying by Sunday, December 18 will mean pensioners could also receive a £324 boost thanks to Pension Credit backdating rules.

Mr Daly said: “A total of 3,992 pensioners in Bury already claim Pension Credit, but there are many more who could be doing so, which is why I want to encourage everyone who thinks they may be eligible to look into claiming it.

“The Conservative government has launched a major campaign to encourage eligible pensioners, as well as those who care for and support older people, to access the help they are entitled to.

“If those eligible apply by December 18, they could receive a backdated cost of living payment worth £324.

“This will make a huge difference to vulnerable people across Bury so I urge everyone to look into whether they or their loved ones are eligible.”

Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott, added: “The run up to Christmas is always a busy time, but one thing to make sure that’s on your list over the coming days is to find out whether you or your loved ones could be eligible for Pension Credit.

“Pension Credit can make a real difference and I am determined to make sure this support – worth an average of £3,500 per year – is reaching everyone who needs it.”

Pension Credit can be claimed online or over the phone.

Information is available on www.gov.uk/pension-credit or by calling the Freephone Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234.