A “TICKING time bomb” of pensioner poverty has been highlighted in a report today, with research showing that levels have crept up to the highest since 2012.

Figures released by the government and analysed by the charity Independent Age show that, while poverty in the overall population has remained relatively stable, among pensioners it has increased by 5 per cent since 2012.

Almost a fifth of pensioners are now living in poverty after paying their housing costs, an estimated 2.1 million people.

Of these, 1.1 million are living in severe poverty.

The over-85s over have the highest rate of poverty among pensioners at 22 per cent, and poverty among older women appears to be rising at a slightly faster rate than men.

Previous research by Independent Age found that maximising pension credit uptake to ensure everyone entitled to it receives it could lift about three in 10 pensioners out of poverty and reduce the number living in severe poverty by half.

Pensioner Anisah told the charity that before receiving pension credit, her life was very hard.

The 86-year-old, who retired as a nurse at the age of 56 due to health problems, said: “I bought the cheapest of whatever was available. Instead of putting on the heating, I’d put more clothes on so I could have another cup of tea or something to eat.”

Anisah said that pension credit had changed her life, ensuring she could eat better food, be healthier and be warmer.

“I got other benefits too, like help with my glasses and dental treatment,” she said. “I started to live again.

“I expect there are many people today who don’t know about pension credit. The government needs to tell us what is available and what they are prepared to do for us.”

Independent Age is calling on the government to urgently increase the level of pension credit uptake and explore options for auto-enrolment.

But the National Pensioners’ Convention warned that pensioner poverty cannot be resolved by pension credit alone. it has called for a decent state pension for all, set above poverty level at 70 per cent of the national living wage.

General secretary Jan Shortt told the Star: “An individual’s income dictates how well they live and how healthy they can be. 

“The two-tier system in pensions shows huge inequalities and must be addressed — as should the 40 per cent gender pension gap.”