1 March 2004
The government is urging pensioners to claim council tax benefit which could save them an average of £426 a year.
Less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get, and some are even missing out on a full refund. A national campaign starting today will encourage people to find out if they qualify for the benefit.
The process of claiming council tax benefit has been made easier by:
- Cutting the length of the claim form by one third;
- Combining it with the housing benefit claim form so people don’t have to give the same information twice; and
- Sending out claim forms with Pension Credit details.
Council Tax Benefit Minister Chris Pond said:
"Pensioners have worked hard all their lives and contributed to the prosperity of this country. My message is - don’t be too proud to claim. You’re entitled to Council Tax Benefit and I want you to get every penny owed.
"Up to 1.7 million pensioners are missing out on a much-needed cash boost. The government has introduced many initiatives such as Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences and I want everyone to benefit from the full package."
The current restriction on council tax benefit for people living in Band F, G or H properties will end next month. This will help large families on benefit who need to rent properties in these bands and some pensioner households.
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