A YEAR after an assessment team was set up in the county, people are reaping the benefits.

The county's social services set up the unit to provide advice and support to people claiming benefit and information for those who were unaware of their entitlements.

Since then, there has been a dramatic uptake and thousands of pounds in extra benefits have been reaching people who would otherwise have missed out.

In the first six months of the team being set up, a total of 566 claims were made, 97 per cent of which have been successful. That adds up to more than £15,000 a week in additional benefit.

It includes many carers who did not realise they could claim benefits for looking after relatives but who are now receiving the financial help to which they are entitled.

The 20 members of the benefits and assessment team are based at local social services offices across North Yorkshire and work in partnership with a number of agencies.

The county's executive member for social services, Murray Naylor, said: "The work of the new team combined with the North Yorkshire Welfare Benefits Service has resulted in some of the most needy people in the county receiving the money to which they are entitled."