ONE in three people over 65 are struggling financially a charity has warned.

Age Cymru have warned that 112,500 pensioners in Wales now living below the poverty line and incomes for both single and pensioner couples in Wales at the bottom of regional comparisons.

An estimated £3.5 billion in Pension Credit and Housing Benefit alone goes unclaimed each year in the UK.

The charity is urging older people to contact them to find out if they’re entitled to some extra financial support.

Ian Thomas, chief executive of Age Cymru, said: “Managing on a low, fixed income is really tough, and many people face a daily struggle just to afford the basics. That’s why is it so important that every older person who is entitled to claim benefits does so.”

“It is shameful that despite millions of older people struggling financially, around £3.5 billion in money benefits remains unclaimed every year when this extra income could make a huge difference to their lives.”

For advice call Age Cymru Advice free of charge on 08000 223444 or visit www.agecymru.org.uk.