AGE Concern is to hold a week of events to encourage older people to boost their income by claiming their full benefit entitlements.
The annual Your Rights Week will be launched in Sedgefield borough on Monday, April 19.
The charity says many older people are unaware they can cut their council tax bill by up to £425 a year, simply by contacting Age Concern Durham County.
Increased benefit rates will be available from Monday, April 12.
Benefits that older people miss out on include Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax benefit or non- means tested grants such as Attendance Allowance.
Some older people do not realise their entitlement, others find the system too complicated or feel there is a stigma attached.
Age Concern Durham County has organised a week of activity throughout the county. Chief officer Harriet Gibbon said: "Council Tax benefit and Pension Credit are just two of the many benefits available to older people."
Age Concern staff will be available to give advice on Wednesday, April 21, at West Close, Shildon, from 10am to noon; Thurlow Grange, Sedgefield, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm; and Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
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