Many older people who currently receive pension credit say that they only applied for the cash after being prompted to by a third party such as a family member or friend.

The Department for Work and Pensions explains that research from Age Concern shows that more than a third of people are worried that an elderly friend or relative is not benefiting from such monetary help.

Minister of state for pensions reform Mike O'Brien notes: "Many older people wrongly think pension credit is not meant for them and so miss out on useful extra cash as well as help with heating, housing or council tax costs. That is where friends and family come in."

He explains that people need to make use of "friendly pester power" to alleviate any concerns older people may have about claiming the cash that could improve their quality of life.

In recent days, the department also encouraged pensioners to apply for any benefits that they are entitled to in order to help them heat their homes.