LONE parents are urged to claim extra benefit before it is abolished next month.

Welfare rights experts in Lancashire estimate at least 25,000 families in the county are losing out on extra payments because they have not claimed.

Under the current rules, single mums and dads can claim an extra £6.25 a week child benefit.

But from the start of June no new claims will be allowed and only people who already have the benefit will be entitled to the extra cash.

Frank McKenna, deputy leader of Lancashire County Council and welfare rights chairman, said: "Although the Government has reluctantly decided to carry through the last Conservative Government's plans to abolish the higher rate of child benefit for lone parents, it will only apply to new claims from June.

"We estimate that there are about 25,000 lone parent families in Lancashire not claiming the higher rate of child benefit.

"We want them to act now before it is too late."

For further information write to the Welfare Rights Service, Freepost, Preston, PR1 8BR or phone 01772 263345.

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