Health care workers are often in the front line of social welfare work seeing patients whose health problems may be inextricably bound up with poverty and debt.

Project worker Susan Harrison said: "Millions of hard up pensioners are missing out on money they should be getting to help to pay basic household bills, including heating and council tax."

She hoped the project would have a real impact on people who have struggled without support for years.

She added: "Already we have had positive responses from people who have been awarded health-related benefits."

The project follows a successful pilot in the Boston area and is being funded by Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust.

The coastal strip was chosen because of its underlying deprivation. With a high concentration of older people with illness, 30 per cent of residents class themselves as having a chronic illness. Interested health care professionals should call Susan on 01754 765608.

If you think you may be entitled to benefits or would like money advice call 01754 765608 or call in at your local Citizens' Advice Bureau.