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

The charity is banking on a five-day drive called Your Rights Week to make sure that older people 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 claim £1.5m in benefits as well as helping 20,000 people with information and advice.

The elderly could save up to £425 a year on Council Tax alone by contacting the charity.

In addition they could be missing out on benefits such as pension Credit, Housing Benefit or the non-means tested Attendance Allowance. The charity says that, with the right advice, pensioners could double their income.

But 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: "The mountain of benefits unclaimed by pensioners is too high.

"Council Tax Benefit and Pension Credit are just two on the many benefits available to older people to help increase their income and save on bills, but only if older people claim what is rightfully theirs.

"Claiming money benefits doesn't have to be difficult and can make a real difference to people's quality of life."

The charity's advice and information service is running free, impartial and confidential drop-in sessions from Monday April 19. They are from 10am to 12 noon on Wednesday April 21, at West Close, Shildon; Thursday April 22, at Cumbria Lodge, Bishop Auckland; 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 needing a benefits check should take along details of their income, savings and National Insurance number.

For information contact Age Concern House, in Atherton Street, Durham, on 0191 386 3856.