EX-SERVICE people and their widows are being urged to contact the Royal British Legion after the introduction of a new war pensions law.

Service people can now appeal against War Pensions Agency decisions on the allowances they get to supplement war pensions.

Royal British Legion officers offer free advice and representation for all war pensioners, regardless of whether they are members.

Tom House, head of the legion's Welfare Department, said: "This has the potential to make a big difference to those who can't work, are disabled and need constant care because of their time in the forces."

The new rights of appeal, brought in on Monday, means that war pensioners can now contest the non-payment of their allowance awards including Mobility Allowance, Unemployability Supplement and Constant Attendance Allowance.

The new rights of appeal are similar to those provided for in the Social Security system.

Kathy Hartup, spokesman for the Royal British Legion, believes that a lot of older people could avoid debt and poverty if they knew their entitlements.

"It's not only those who served in the wars that are eligible but peacekeepers and members of the Territorial Army also qualify.

"A common misconception is that you have to have a physical disability or illness to qualify but psychological illnesses related to the Service are also recognised."

Craig Treeby is legion welfare manager for Buckinghamshire.

"We have over 35 caseworkers working alongside Mr Treeby and individual legion offices across the county come to us if they have any queries," said Blanche Marslin, Mr Treeby's personal assistant.