A SUFFOLK charity helped pensioners put an extra £1.8 million in their pockets last year by showing them how to claim money they were entitled to.Age Concern Suffolk says it hopes to help even more senior citizens to do the same this year with the launch of its Your Rights Week in April.

A SUFFOLK charity helped pensioners put an extra £1.8 million in their pockets last year by showing them how to claim money they were entitled to.

Age Concern Suffolk says it hopes to help even more senior citizens to do the same this year with the launch of its Your Rights Week in April.

"Many senior citizens may not even be aware that some of these benefits exist, or like many of us, may be uncertain about filling in the forms to claim them. That is where our advice service can help as we give relevant information along with practical, friendly assistance," said advice service manager, Teresa Archer.

"I hope that older people and their carers will take up this opportunity to check their benefits."

The charity is offering free and confidential advice and no appointment is necessary.

"Our message to older people and their relatives during Your Rights Week 2002 is to check your benefit entitlement now," she said.

"We are here to help senior citizens claim what is rightfully theirs.

"We have arranged a number of advice surgeries around the county during the week to encourage senior citizens to have a free, confidential check from Age Concern Suffolk's Advice Service."

Advice surgeries are being held on Wednesday, April 10, at Age Concern's Ipswich office, 8 Northgate Street, Ipswich from 10am to 2pm and at Age Concern's shop, 19 Orwell Road, Felixstowe, from 10am to 1pm. There is a further surgery at East House, George St, Hadleigh on Friday, April 12, from 10am to 1pm. Other surgeries in the west and north of Suffolk have also been arranged.

As part of the week, the 30th edition of the practical and informative handbook, Your Rights – a guide to money benefits for older people, will be published. It is priced £4.75 and available from the beginning of April from Age Concern offices, bookshops or by phoning the Age Concern information line on 0800 00 99 66.