Hundreds of elderly people could be struggling to get by on meagre incomes because they are unaware they can claim benefit, it is feared, writes Roseena Parveen.

A major campaign is launched on Monday by Age Concern Oxfordshire in a bid to help elderly people claim what they are owed.

Nationally, 700,000 elderly people fail to claim income support. It is not known how many people are failing to claim in the county, but Age Concern Oxfordshire fear it is hundreds. Mary Daniel, of the charity, said: "Potentially, hundreds of older people in this area may miss out."

Next week, elderly people can call a hotline from 9am to 5pm to find out how to apply.

Staff will offer advice and can arrange for someone to visit people to discuss claims in their own homes and help with form-filling.

The campaign starts as new increases to benefit come into force the same day. From Monday, income support rates rise from £70.45 to £75 a week for single pensioners. The rate for couples increases from £109.35 to £116.60.

Successful claimants aged 75 or over, or who receive basic state pension, could receive an extra £10 per week, and qualify for housing and council tax benefit, cold weather payments and help with glasses and dentistry.

The hotline is 0800 009966.

Story date: Saturday 10 April

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.