PEOPLE can check their pension credit eligibility at drop-in sessions being staged in the district.

The events – being hosted by Keighley & Ilkley Labour Party and Citizens Advice Bradford and Airedale and Law Centre – will also enable pensioners to check criteria for other payments, such as attendance allowance and housing benefit.

To receive pension credit, people must have reached the state pension age. Weekly income is topped up to £218.15 for people who are single, or £332.95 for those with a partner. People who consider themselves to be on a higher income may still be eligible under certain circumstances, such as if they have a disability.

The first drop-in event takes place at the Clarke Foley Centre, Ilkley, next Tuesday (October 8), between 12.30pm and 3.30pm, and the second is at Central Hall in Keighley on Wednesday, October 9, from 9.30am to11.30am.

Keighley East district councillor Caroline Firth, who has helped organise the sessions, says: "Across West Yorkshire, around 6,400 people are eligible to claim pension credit but don’t. I’m not sure if they realise that it opens the door to other support too, such as a free TV licence and the winter fuel payment, which are worth nearly £500 combined."

Free refreshments, including cake, will be on offer at the events.

Richard Wilkinson, chief executive of Citizens Advice Bradford and Airedale and Law Centre, says: "Our staff will be on hand to advise people about their eligibility for some of these allowances. People do sometimes assume their income is too high but that’s not always the case, for example if they have a disability.

“Other people may not have applied previously because they see it as something to be ashamed of, or they don’t want what they perceive to be a handout. That should never be the case – they are eligible for this money fair and square, so we urge people to come along for a chat to find out more. Anyone from across the whole area is welcome."

Age UK will also be represented at the events.