AN UNCLAIMED benefits campaign is about to smash through the £2m barrier.

People in Middlesbrough have been helped to claim £2m of welfare that they did not know they were entitled to thanks to a campaign run by the council.

It's Your Right To Claim scheme was launched earlier this year to help those who did not know they could claim welfare assistance.

In January, in its first week of operation alone more than £130,000 was found for people attending walk-in sessions at North Ormesby Community Hub.

Since then the money reclaimed for those unaware of their entitlement has continued to spiral and the figure now sits at £1.9m.

The campaign returns to North Ormesby Community Hub for a number of sessions beginning on Monday (sep 14).

Councillor Tracy Harvey, Middlesbrough Council’s executive lead on welfare reform, said: “This campaign has proved to be staggering successful in assisting people in understanding the benefits system and their own entitlements.

“At the various sessions we have been able to help people from all walks of life and in all manner of scenarios that require assistance.”

It’s Your Right To Claim returns to North Ormesby Community Hub, on Derwent Street between 10am and 4pm on Monday and Tuesday this week and on September 28 and 29 between 10am and 4pm, and on Wednesday this week and Wednesday, September 30 between 1pm and 4pm.

Members of the public are welcome to drop in or make an appointment. Telephone advice is also available by calling 01642-802303 or e-mail entitledto@middlesbroughcab.org.uk.