AN URGENT call has been made to senior citizens in Inverclyde to claim the missing £6m they are owed in pension credit.

Local MP Ronnie Cowan has become Pension Credit Champion and is urging people to find out if they are entitled to apply for the benefit.

Statistics published by Independent Age say that 2,517 households in Inverclyde are entitled to the money but not receiving it.

This leads to a staggering total annual amount unclaimed of £6.5m.

Mr Cowan said: "It’s deeply disappointing and also worrying that thousands of pensions in Inverclyde are missing out on millions of pounds in Pension Credit entitlement.

“Pension Credit is a benefit designed to keep the least well-off pensioners out of poverty, although its currently being received by just six in 10."

Mr Cowan says the payment is also of wider importance as it is linked to other support schemes.

Experts say that for many OAPs, receipt of Pension Credit can be the difference between being in poverty and able to meet their basic needs

He hopes that by signing up to champion the payments that he will be able to make a significant dent in the unclaimed £6m figure.

He told the Tele: "It’s vital pensioners are aware of Pension Credits as it’s linked to the free TV licence for over-75s and the Warm Home Discount Scheme.

“Linking the free TV licence for over-75s to Pension Credit entitlement has left thousands of people in Inverclyde further isolated.

"It is something I’ve raised with both the UK Government and the BBC, as this must be changed.

“I would encourage Inverclyde pensioners to contact the Pension Credit claim line to see if they are entitled to this support.

"You can do so by contacting 0800 99 1234.”