A PENSIONER'S charity is launching a drive to ensure old people get all the benefits they are entitled to.

With another big rise in council tax this year, the County Durham branch of Age Concern wants to help old people cope with their bills.

Nationally, £770m in council tax benefit is unclaimed every year and up to 1.7 million pensioner households are missing out, according to the Government.

Age Concern is launching its annual Your Rights Week on Monday, April 19, and will hold advice sessions so pensioners can find out what they might be able to claim.

The charity says two million pensioners live in poverty but they could be eligible for benefits including pension credit, housing benefit, or non means-tested payments such as attendance allowance.

Although some pensioners could double their income, many don't claim because they do not realise they are entitled, others find the system too complicated or feel there is a stigma in claiming.

Harriet Gibbon, chief officer of Age Concern Durham County, said: "The mountain of benefits cash unclaimed by pensioners is too high.

"We have been able to help 4,500 claim their benefits in the past year - that's worth about £1.5m.

"We have also assisted over 20,000 people with information and advice.''

The advice sessions are: Monday, April 19, at Age Concern House, 7 Atherton Street, Durham City, 9.30am to noon and 1pm to 3pm; Wednesday April 21, West Close, Shildon, 10am to noon, Thurlow Grange, Sedgefield, 1.30pm to 3.30pm and Tremeduna Grange, Trimdon Village, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

People can drop in but should take details of income, savings and their National Insurance number.

More information is available from Age Concern House on 0191-386 3856.