A campaign has been launched to increase the take- up of council tax benefits across the Hambleton district.
Thousands of leaflets and posters are being sent out - and a new outreach surgery established - to encourage people to check if they are entitled to benefits.
Councillors are stressing it is not only the unemployed that can claim - many working people and people on pensions pay more council tax and rent than they need. Help can also be available for those who pay for child care.
"Many people simply do not check if they are entitled to any benefits," said the cabinet member for housing, David Blades. "But this money is their right - it is not charity.
"Every year thousands of pounds goes unclaimed - often because people are reluctant to apply or simply think that they will not qualify."
The outreach surgery opens at in Stokesley next Wednesday. Call 0845 1211 555 for an appointment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article