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01/03/2004
Pensioners urged to claim full benefits entitlements
Pensioners have been urged to claim a council tax benefit which could save them an average of £426 a year.
According to the government, less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get, and some are even missing out on a full refund.
Government figures reveal that as many as 1.7 million pensioners are missing out on benefits such as the Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences.
A national campaign starting today will encourage people to find out if they qualify for the benefit.
The government has said that 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."
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, the minister said.
(gmcg)
According to the government, less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get, and some are even missing out on a full refund.
Government figures reveal that as many as 1.7 million pensioners are missing out on benefits such as the Pension Credit, Winter Fuel Payments and free TV licences.
A national campaign starting today will encourage people to find out if they qualify for the benefit.
The government has said that 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."
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, the minister said.
(gmcg)
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11 January 2005
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
Campaign launched to improve uptake of council tax benefit
The Government has launched a campaign encouraging pensioners in England, Scotland and Wales to check if they are paying too much council tax. Adverts in the national press carry the message 'cut your council tax – find out if you should be paying less.
21 February 2005
Tories promise to reduce council tax for pensioners
Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to reduce council tax payments for pensioners, if the party win at the next General Election. Mr Howard said that, under a Conservative government, households where all adults are aged 65 and over would have their council tax bills halved, up to a maximum value of £500.
Tories promise to reduce council tax for pensioners
Conservative leader Michael Howard has pledged to reduce council tax payments for pensioners, if the party win at the next General Election. Mr Howard said that, under a Conservative government, households where all adults are aged 65 and over would have their council tax bills halved, up to a maximum value of £500.
24 September 2004
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
18 September 2003
Charity groups demand reform of council tax charges
Help the Aged and The Royal British Legion have joined forces today to demand a reform of council tax and Council Tax Benefit. The two charities say that "annual inflation-busting" increases in council tax "unfairly discriminate" against older people, whose incomes tend to be fixed or linked to inflation.
Charity groups demand reform of council tax charges
Help the Aged and The Royal British Legion have joined forces today to demand a reform of council tax and Council Tax Benefit. The two charities say that "annual inflation-busting" increases in council tax "unfairly discriminate" against older people, whose incomes tend to be fixed or linked to inflation.
17 July 2012
Rogue Traders Presenter Jailed For Benefit Fraud
A BBC television presenter has been jailed for 12 weeks after he was found guilty of benefit fraud totalling more than £24,000. Dan Penteado, 40, a present on the consumer affairs program Rogue Traders admitted eight offences of dishonestly or knowingly claiming housing and council tax benefits.
Rogue Traders Presenter Jailed For Benefit Fraud
A BBC television presenter has been jailed for 12 weeks after he was found guilty of benefit fraud totalling more than £24,000. Dan Penteado, 40, a present on the consumer affairs program Rogue Traders admitted eight offences of dishonestly or knowingly claiming housing and council tax benefits.
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