I WOULD very much like to endorse Mr Allan's comments (LET, August 7) regarding the urge of the government to 'Pick it up it's yours', as I had the same experience on my inquiry about pension credit.

I spoke with the appropriate department and after a while was advised that I did not qualify as, with the small pension I receive from my late husband's contributory works, my own pension in my own right and some modest savings, I was just above the qualifying amount of income.

We both had a full 40 years' work record, with no unemployment or sickness absence -- but sadly my husband lived only two years after retirement in 1980 to draw his government pension. Should the government owe me something? I certainly don't owe them anything.

As Mr Allan points out, because of thrift and a little forward thinking, plus, I might add, a certain amount of sacrifice -- it profits us nothing, except, of course, a clear conscience.

Like many others, I have always worked for what I have, therefore, not been a burden on the country.

Mr Allan, that's the way the cookie crumbles, as they say. Receive one benefit and this will surely qualify you for another it seems.

E CARR, Redvers Road, Darwen.