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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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