Nearly £70m of pension credit payments are going unclaimed in Kent, according to the leader of the county’s largest local authority.

Kent County Council (KCC) chief Roger Gough said that 18,000 households - one third of the total who are eligible - are missing out.

He said it could prevent older people skipping meals or scrimping on their heating as winter approaches.

The Financial Hardship Team says that it could be worth on average £186 a month.

It says that even if the amount available is much lower, it could unlock other benefits such as a free TV licence, NHS dental and eye treatment, and housing benefit.

It may also entitle Kent residents to winter fuel payments which have been squeezed by the new Labour government to the fury of its own back benchers, unions and charities.

KCC says there could be as much as £68 million going unclaimed in the county.

Pension credit is the state benefit for those who have reached the state pension age and are on the lowest income but it comes with some eligibility criteria.

If someone is retired and has an income of less than £218 a week as an individual or £332 a week as a couple, the benefit could be due.

Cllr Gough said: “The Chancellor’s decision to cut winter fuel payments to around 10 million pensioners in the UK means there is every likelihood that some older people will begin to ration their fuel use and reduce their spending on essentials to manage the financial impacts.

“We are working with all our partners across the county under our Kent Together umbrella to appeal to older people, their friends and family and professionals to look again at the details around pension credit and seek advice from the Pension Credit Helpline about what you could be entitled to.

“We don’t want older people having to make the choice between eating and heating.”

Residents may not be claiming what they are due for several reasons, including not being aware of the pension credit, do not believe they are eligible or find the paperwork too challenging and give up.

KCC says some pensioners could benefit from dropping their income slightly to open the door to other benefits which are worth more in the longer term.

Cllr Gough added: “This money could be used to ensure that people in later life and living on a low income are not skipping meals, can afford healthy food and will feel comfortable in turning the heating on during the colder months.

“This extra income would take away some of the worry and anxiety about those bills and improve the quality of life of so many older people in Kent.”