SOME pensioners could double their income if they claimed the benefits they are entitled to, according to experts from Age Concern.

The charity is banking on a new campaign 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 pensioners recoup £500,000 in unclaimed benefits.

During Your Rights Week advisors saw more than 300 people and over 60 per cent were entitled to more money.

Pensioners are the biggest single group missing out on state benefits, including Minimum Income Guarantee (income support), housing, council tax or non-means tested payments such as attendance allowance.

Some are put off by the complexity of the system, while others fear there is a stigma attached to claiming benefit.

Age Concern's Veronica Lewis said: "When the new pension Credit is introduced in October, half of all pensioners will be entitled to top-up benefits. That is why it is so important that older people check their benefits and claim them."

Staff have teamed up with the Welfare Rights Union, the Pension Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau to run free and confidential drop-in sessions this week as follows:

Today: St Helen Auckland Parish Centre, 9.30am to noon; Four Clocks Project, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, 1pm to 3.30pm; Mickle Grove, Coundon, 1pm to 4pm; Scarth Hall, Staindrop, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Tomorrow: Wolsingham Market Place, 10am to noon; Wolsingham library, 1pm to 4pm; Frosterley Village Hall, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Thursday: Crook Signpost from 9.30am to noon; Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk, 10am to 11am; Mickleton Village Hall, 11am to noon; Willington Resource Centre, 1pm to 3.30pm; Evenwood Community Centre, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

Friday: Woodhouse Close library, 9.30am to noon; Crook library, 1.30pm to 4pm.