THOUSANDS of pensioners across Hampshire are losing out on millions of pounds of benefits being dished out by the government.

A massive £2 billion was left unclaimed in one year by elderly people in the south, who did not know they were entitled to the cash.

That could amount to as much as an extra £22 a week each.

The unclaimed treasure chest was exposed in latest government figures, which show that more than 66,000 pensioners in the region could have claimed pension boosters, bringing their weekly income up to £102.10 for single people and £155.80 for couples.

In Southampton, city council care worker Tina Mentor said 70 per cent of pensioners she visits are missing out.

"I've claimed benefits on their behalf," she said. "In that time I don't think I've been unsuccessful once."

The figures come as no surprise to Sandra Smith, of Age Concern in Hampshire, who said daunting benefit forms leave many elderly people baffled.

More on this story in tonight's Daily Echo