Half of pensioners are failing to claim hundreds of pounds of state benefits a year, thus resulting in a squeeze in their pension incomes, Just Retirement Solutions has warned today.

Research from 250 clients showed that 23 per cent failed to claim any benefit they were entitled to thus losing an average of £655 a year. The highest amount unclaimed was £3,631 a year.

Thirty-three per cent claimed some of their state benefit but were not receiving their full entitlements, with £213 a year on average lost. The highest amount unclaimed was £2,365 a year.

Just Retirement’s group external affairs and customer insight director Stephen Lowe said: “Many pensioners are struggling to make ends meet due to insufficient pension income and depressed savings returns. At the same time they are missing out by failing to claim the benefits they should be receiving, often to the tune of hundreds of pounds each year that could make a real difference to the quality of their lives.”

Lowe added: "Part of the problem is constant tinkering with the benefits rules that make it hard for people to keep up with the complexities. Already this year, plans for a new flat-rate state pension have been announced and over the next two years we are seeing the introduction of the new Universal Credit and various other changes. If you are not professionaly involved it is hard to keep up."

The retirement intermediary encouraged people to seek professional help from a Citizens Advice Bureau, online at direct.gov.uk or from a financial intermediary.

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