A CHARITY is encouraging elderly people to boost their incomes by claiming money they are entitled to.

Fifty Plus Age Concern is launching its annual Your Rights campaign with a reminder of the benefits and financial help that is available.

The campaign, which runs from April 8 to 15, aims to tackle some of the reasons why older people do not claim money, including council tax benefit and pension credit.

Andrea Hewitt, Age Concern information services officer, said that many people do not realise they are eligible, or think the process is too complicated.

"Many older people are paying too much council tax because they have not received their full entitlement to help with their bills," she said.

"It is worth checking whether you could ask for lower council tax payments, or whether you should have to pay council tax at all. People receiving the guarantee credit part of pension credit have an automatic right to council tax exemption."

The charity is holding drop-in sessions at offices throughout the region, from 10am to 12.30pm, during the Your Rights week.

For more details, call Fifty Plus Age Concern on (01325) 362832.