BOLTON'S Citizens' Advice Bureau's home visiting service has helped housebound people recoup more than £2 million of previously unclaimed welfare benefits.

The service was started in April 1995 to meet the needs of people who cannot get out of their homes, either because they are disabled or are a carer.

Its aim is to help them pursue claims for welfare benefits by providing information, advice, assistance with forms and representation at social security reviews and appeals.

HVS is staffed by three paid officers and a large team of experienced and fully trained volunteers, and covers an area from Horwich to Kearsley and Bromley Cross to Westhoughton.

Salim Musaji, home visiting officer for ethnic minority clients, said: "Most people find the benefit system confusing and daunting.

"With some benefit claim packs up to 50 pages long and with hundreds of questions to answer, this is hardly surprising.

"The irony is that many ill or disabled people who are eligible for benefits and need the income to pay for the extra care they require, are put off claiming because the mental or physical exertion required to complete the packs proves too demanding."

Alison Berry, home visiting officer, added: "Nationally, £2.7 billion of benefits go unclaimed by those who are entitled to them.

"This £2 million landmark is an important milestone for Bolton CAB would not have been able to access this advice and information without our help."