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Up to 1.6 million pensioners are failing to claim benefits they are entitled to - including financial help during the cold snap.

Nearly £​3bn of Pension Credit - an income-related benefit for pensioners - is unclaimed each year, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.

Those who receive it are automatically entitled to a Cold Weather Payment of £​25 in freezing weather.

These payments have been triggered in two-thirds of the country.

The benefit, to help pay heating bills during a cold snap, is paid when the weather is - or is forecast to be - at or below freezing for seven consecutive days.
Some 3.7 million people have benefited this winter, with many areas having the payment triggered in recent days.

More on the BBC website