PENSIONERS could be living on less money than they are entitled to it has been revealed.And today Ipswich MP, Chris Mole is urging his constituents to make sure they are receiving all the benefits they can to ensure they can keep healthy.

PENSIONERS could be living on less money than they are entitled to it has been revealed.

And today Ipswich MP, Chris Mole is urging his constituents to make sure they are receiving all the benefits they can to ensure they can keep healthy.

His comments come as Age Concern revealed that half a million pensioners are malnourished because they cannot afford to eat properly.

However the charity claimed many of these people were probably not getting all the benefits they are entitled to.

Mr Mole said: "Many pensioners are losing out to the tune of hundreds of pounds a year, or even more, simply because they or their relatives are unaware of government initiatives entitling them to money which they contributed to during their working lives."

Payments that people may not be claiming despite being entitled to include:

-Winter Fuel Payments (0845 9 151515)

-One-off 70+ payments

-Pension credits

-Council tax benefits

These various payments have now been brought under the umbrella of one user-friendly service called the Pension Service, which is run by the Department of Work and Pensions.

Mr Mole said: "I urge family members, friends and neighbours to keep an eye on our elderly folk and ensure that they receive money to which they are entitled.

"Payments and pension credits can make such a difference to both pensioner households and those elderly residents living alone. Responsive, dedicated people are waiting at the end of the telephone line to action enquiries as quickly as possible."

The pensions service helpline can be contacted on 0845 6060265.

A guide to initiatives to boost the income of the elderly in Ipswich can be found at www.thepensionservice.gov.uk.