A FRESH warning has been issued over the millions of pounds worth of benefits continuing to go unclaimed by pensioners.

The charity, Help The Aged, in partnership with British Gas, says that about 30,000 pensioners in the North-East are missing out on Minimum Income Guarantee cash, amounting to £33m.

The same picture is reflected in Yorkshire, where 59,000 pensioners are missing out on £65m of unclaimed benefits.

Both groups are calling on the Government to set new take-up targets to ensure that 90 per cent are claiming all means-tested benefits within the next three years.

Mervyn Kohler, head of public affairs for the British Gas and Help the Aged Partnership, said: "About £33m of unclaimed benefits in the North-East alone is simply unacceptable."

The partnership is again publicising its free Can You Claim It? booklet which contains information on benefits, covering Minimum Income Guarantee, housing benefits and help with medical fees.

Copies are available at all Help the Aged shops or on www.helptheaged.org.uk

Alternatively, send a 34p SAE to Information Resources Team, Help the Aged, 207-221 Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ.