HUNDREDS of people in Redditch who are entitled to cash benefits are missing out because they do not consider themselves to be carers.

Last week, charity Carers UK published a report which claimed about £660 million was going unclaimed because people were not aware of what constitutes being a carer.

And Redditch charity Carers Careline has now urged townsfolk to come forward and claim what is rightfully theirs.

Carers Careline development manager Jinny Pearce said: "The reason many people in Redditch are not claiming their benefits is because they don't realise they are actually classed as carers.

"A carer is anyone who looks after someone who needs care, regardless of whether that person is already a relative or friend.

"And this can be whether the person they care for has a physical or mental problem.

"Some of the benefits available are means-tested and some aren't but nearly everyone who does care for someone on a full-time basis is entitled to financial help."

Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, said: "Many people don't see themselves as carers but as mothers, sons, partners and friends and may not know that they are entitled to help as carers.

"The work of carers has been valued at £57 billion a year and is of vital importance to the UK."

People who think they are entitled to claim should contact the DSS or their social worker if they have one.