Hundreds of households across Powys could be missing out on financial support, with the county council identifying 661 properties where residents may be entitled to additional benefits.

Powys County Council is writing to households it believes could qualify for Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance, encouraging residents to check their eligibility.

The initiative aims to ensure people receive the financial assistance available to them, particularly as households continue to face pressures from everyday living costs.

Pension Credit provides additional financial support to people who have reached State Pension age and are on a low income.

Attendance Allowance helps older people with disabilities or health conditions which mean they require assistance with personal care or supervision.

The council's Money Advice Team is offering free and confidential assistance to help residents determine whether they qualify and complete applications.

Support can be provided over the telephone, at council offices, in local communities or through home visits.

Councillor Matthew Dorrance, Powys County Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, encouraged residents to take the correspondence seriously.

He said: "If you receive a letter from us, please don't ignore it."

The council believes many people may be unaware of their potential entitlement to additional financial assistance.

However, the 661 households identified are considered potentially eligible, meaning individual applications would still need to meet the relevant benefit requirements.

Residents do not have to wait to receive a letter before seeking financial advice.

Council tenants can contact the council's Financial Support Officers on 01597 827464.

Other households can speak to the Money Advice Team on 01597 826618.

Further information is also available through the council's website, including details of the assistance available with benefit applications.

The council is encouraging anyone uncertain about their entitlement to seek advice, with support available regardless of whether they have been contacted directly.