A CAMPAIGN is being launched to ensure pensioners claim their full benefit entitlements.

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, begins on Tuesday, April 9 and will tell pensioners about changes to means-tested benefits.

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

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

Veronica Lewis, of Age Concern Durham County, said: "The message is 'if in doubt, check 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 Department for Works and Pensions estimates that in 1999/2000, between 22 and 36 per cent of pensioners who were entitled to Income Support did not claim.''

The sessions are free and confidential and people should take information about their income. They will be held as follows:

Tuesday, April 9: Wear Valley Carers, Bishop Auckland, 9.30am to noon; Wheatley Hill Library, 9.30am to noon; Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, 9.30am to 11.30am; Middleton in Teesdale Masonic Hall, 1.30pm to 4pm; Seaham Library, 1.30pm to 4pm; Scarth Hall, Staindrop, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Wednesday, April 10: Durham Age Concern, 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 3.30pm; Easington Library, 9.30am to noon; Brandon Library, 9.30am to noon; Frosterley Village Hall, 10am to noon; Peterlee social services offices, 1pm to 4pm; Glebe Centre, Murton, 1.30pm to 4pm; Ireshopeburn Institute, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Thursday, April 11: Signpost, Crook, 9.30am to noon; Shildon Library, 9.30am to noon; Consett Library, 9.30am to 12.30pm; Mickleton Village Hall, 10am to noon; Sacriston Community Association, 1.30pm to 4pm; Newton Aycliffe PCC, 1.30pm to 4pm; Stanley Louisa Centre, 1.30pm to 4pm; Newbiggin Village Hall, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

Friday, April 12: Chester-le-Street Parish Centre, 9.30am to noon; Sedgefield Library, 9.30am to noon; Bishop Auckland Library, 10am to 12.30pm; Annfield Plain Library, 1.30pm to 4pm; Ferryhill Library, 1.30pm to 4pm; Spennymoor Library, 1.30pm to 4pm.