MORE than two in five low-income over-65s in Worcester are missing out on their Pension Credits, new analysis shows.

Anti-poverty charity Turn2Us said pensioners were falling foul of "digital exclusion", and called on the Government to make the benefit more accessible to people with low computer literacy.

It estimates 1,676 people in Worcester were not claiming Pension Credit – a means-tested benefit for low-income pensioners – in February this year, despite being entitled to it. That's 41 per cent of eligible claimants.

Pension Credit tops up the income of over-65s to a minimum level – £167.25 per week for single people and £255.25 for couples. Turn2Us estimates £3.8 million went unclaimed in Worcester over one year.

David Samson, of the charity, said: "Older people are often the least equipped to get the right support at the right time."

"We believe that a lack of information, along with digital exclusion amongst this age group, is a major reason for the lack of claiming."

The charity reported providing advice and support to over 90,000 over-65s last year, a 61 per cent increase on the year before.

Charity Age UK raised concerns that the current application system is forcing older people to "jump through hoops to get the money that is due to them".

The DWP said it encourages people to check if they qualify for Pension Credit, and distributes information via leaflets and Jobcentre staff, as well as online.

A spokesperson said: "Pension Credit is an important protection for some of the most vulnerable people, and we want everyone to claim what they are entitled to.

"Anyone who claims their State Pension receives a letter encouraging them to call us to discuss their Pension Credit entitlement."