A CAMPAIGN is being launched to ensure pensioners eligible for extra cash claim it.

Age Concern Durham County and Durham County Council's welfare rights unit will be holding advice sessions throughout the county.

The campaign, called Your Rights Week, will tell pensioners about changes to means tested benefits.

Income Support will increase to £98.15 for a single pensioner and £149.80 for a couple.

The maximum amount of savings pensioners can have and qualify for the benefit is £12,000 and savings of up to £6,000 will be ignored completely.

Veronica Lewis, of Age Concern Durham County, said: "If in doublt, chack it out. It only takes a few minutes to have your benefits checked and the service is free.

"Many older people in the North-East are not claiming benefits they are entitled to. "

The sessions are free and confidential. People should take information about their income. Local sessions will be held: Wednesday, April 10: Durham Age Concern, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.30pm; Brandon Library, 9.30am to noon.

Thursday, April 11: Consett Library, 9.30am to 12.30pm; Sacriston Community Association, 1.30 to 4pm; Stanley Louisa Centre, 1.30 to 4pm; Newbiggin Village Hall 1.30 to 3.30pm.

Friday, April 12: Chester-le-Street Parish Centre, 9.30am to noon; Annfield Plain Library, 1.30 to 4pm