Labour councillors in Swindon are urging people to sign up for pension credit if they are eligible.

The local party estimates that 3,090 pensioners in the borough could be receiving the extra payments in their pension from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), but have not applied.

The move comes as the winter fuel allowance payments, which were being paid to all state pension recipients, will now only be paid to those on pension credit.

For those who sign up for the Pension Credit, the two extra credits will amount to an extra £4,000 in the next year.

Councillor Jim Robbins. The leader of the borough’s Labour councillors said: ”Swindon Labour is determined to get as many local pensioners signed up for Pension Credit as we can. It’s worth around £4,000 a year and signing up has never been easier.

“Labour has been forced to make tough decisions now to fix the foundations of our economy – but we’re protecting the pensioners who most need our support most. And through this campaign we are hoping to ensure that every household in Swindon that is eligible gets every penny they are due.

“So our message is clear – if you are pensioner please check if you could be due around £4,000 through Pension Credit and the Winter Fuel Allowance to help with bills this winter, and if you know a pensioner please do everything you can to encourage them to apply.”

To apply for pension credit people will need details of their National Insurance number, information about any income, savings and investments they have, and those of their partner if applicable.

The applicant will also need their bank account details.

An application can be made online at gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim or by phone on 0800 99 1234

To apply by post, print off a form from the website, or request one on the phone line and when filled in, send it to Freepost DWP Pensions Service 3

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “£1.3 million pensioners are already going to get help with fuel bills this year because they’re claiming pension credit – but thousands more are eligible. So, if you know someone who could get pension credit and help with their fuel bills, now is the time to help them apply for pension credit.”

Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall added: “Thousands of pensioners are missing out on Pension Credit worth on average £3,900 per year. That needs to change.

“It’s easier than ever to check if you are eligible, including with our online calculator, and if your circumstances have changed since the last time you looked – I urge you to check again."