SOME pensioners could boost their income by hundreds of pounds a year if they claimed all the benefits they are entitled to, according to Age Concern.

The charity is banking on a five-day drive called Your Rights Week to make sure that pensioners do not miss out on increased social security benefits coming into force on Monday.

Last year, in County Durham, Age Concern helped 4,500 senior citizens to claim £1.5m in benefits as well as helping 20,000 people with advice.

Elderly people could save up to £425 a year on council tax alone by contacting the charity. In addition they could be missing out on pension credit, housing benefit or the non-means tested attendance allowance.

The charity says that, with the right advice, pensioners could double their income. Some are put off by the complexity of the system, while others fear there is a stigma attached to claiming from the state.

Harriet Gibbon, chief officer for Age Concern County Durham, said: "Council tax benefit and pension credit are just two of the many benefits available to help to increase income and save on bills, but only if people claim what is rightfully theirs.

"It doesn't have to be difficult and can make a real difference to quality of life."

The charity is running free and confidential drop-in sessions from Monday, April 19.

They are from 10am to noon, on Wednesday, April 21, at West Close, Shildon; Thursday April 22, at Cumbria Lodge, Bishop Auckland; Thurlow Grange, Sedgefield, 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village, 1.30pm to 3.30pm; Friday April 23, at Signpost, The Royal Corner, Crook, where North West Durham MP Hilary Armstrong is calling in from 10 to 10.30am.

Appointments are not necessary but callers should take along the details of income, savings and National Insurance number.