PENSIONERS in Gwent are being offered help over changes to their pensions.

Help the Aged has produced a bright, pocket-sized booklet to answer questions and help older people become more confident with the new pension payment system. There are an estimated 56,856 pensioners in Gwent, the charity says.

The booklet explains in detail the three options offered by the new system and their benefits. Older people can choose to have their pension paid into either a current account or basic account with any bank or building society. Alternatively, pensioners can open a post office card account.

The government has introduced these changes as part of the Payments Modernisation Programme, which will be safer and easier to use than the old pension book system. Letters are currently being sent out to pensioners, who will have until April 2005 to switch over to their preferred method of payment.

Llio Penri, from Help the Aged's Wales office, said: "The government's mishandling of the move to direct payments into bank and post office accounts has caused confusion and uncertainty to vulnerable older people. The booklet from Help the Aged will hopefully answer any questions which older people may have.

"Although pensioners don't need to take action until they have received their letter from the Pension Service and have until 2005 to decide, we would encourage them to find out about their options now."

Copies of the booklet can be ordered from Debbie Smith on 020 7843 9422 or by e-mail: infocymru@helpthe aged.org.uk.