State pensioners could get £2,991 a year extra with one simple claim

The state pension system was changed in 2016, with anyone who reached state pension age before that date on the old basic state pension system paying much less than those who reached retirement age after

State pensioners born before specific years could be eligible for a state pension boost worth £2,991 annually. This is due to a change in the state pension system eight years ago, which has resulted in millions of pensioners receiving less than they need to live on.

However, with one simple claim, state pensioners born at a certain time could receive an additional £2,522 plus extra benefits. The state pension system was altered in 2016.

The basic state pension pays £169.50 to those who retired before 2016, specifically men born before April 6, 1951, and women born after April 6, 1953. These individuals would have reached retirement age before April 2016 and were therefore placed on the old basic state pension system, paying £8,814 annually in total.

The new state pension system pays significantly more - £221.20 per week or £11,502 per year. Therefore, anyone born after these dates will automatically claim the more lucrative new state pension.

While older pensioners cannot transfer from the old basic state pension to the new state pension, anyone on the old state pension system can top up their weekly income to almost the same amount using Pension Credit. Pension Credit tops up your income to £218 a week, meaning you'd receive £11,336 in total, a top-up of £2,522 per year, if you're on the older basic state pension and otherwise have a weekly income lower than that, reports the Express.

Additionally, you'd receive your £300 Winter Fuel Payment again as those claiming Pension Credit will continue to get the payment under the new system, bringing your total to £2,822. You'd also be eligible for a free TV Licence worth £169.50, taking your total boost to £2,991.50.

This doesn't include any potential council tax discounts or housing benefit you may qualify for, depending on your local authority. To claim, ring the Pension Credit hotline on 0800 99 1234.