Millions of state pension age households could be able to get money off their council tax bill.
The state pension age benefit Pension Credit tops up the state pension but can also unlock other forms of support – such as help with council tax.
Nearly 1.4 million pensioners across Britain currently get Pension Credit, but up to 850,000 eligible households don’t claim it.
The average Pension Credit award is worth more than £3,500 a year, and it can also open doors to other benefits worth thousands of pounds.
The average Pension Credit award is worth more than £3,500 a year
PEXELS
Age UK explains: “If you receive the guarantee credit part of Pension Credit you may even get your council tax paid in full.
“If you don’t get guarantee credit but you have a low income and less than £16,000 in savings, you may still get some help.”
Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, urged people to check if they can claim Pension Credit earlier this year.
He said even if the claim doesn’t mean a huge top-up to monthly income, it could unlock a whole host of support.
The financial journalist said: “It’s a tragedy that up to a million low income pensioners who’ve paid into the system for years are missing out on what can be a crucial financial top up.
“And even those only due thruppence from it should still claim as Pension Credit is the key gateway benefit that opens the door to many other entitlements – including the remaining £600 cost of living support, council tax reductions, free TV licences (if age over 75) dental and optical support and more.
“Any single pensioner earning under roughly £220 a week, or pension couple earning under £320 should check online or call the pension credit helpline just in case you may be due.”
How to apply for a council tax discount
Residents will need to check with their local council if they are eligible for a discount which will reduce a council tax bill.
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The council tax discount can be cut by up to 100 per cent
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People can also visit the “Apply for Council Tax Reduction” section of Gov.uk.
If they input their postcode and press “find”, they should be matched up with the relevant council.
People may be eligible for a council tax reduction if they are on a low income or claim benefits, the government says, and a bill can be cut by up to 100 per cent.
What a person gets will depend on where they live as councils run their own schemes, as well as circumstances, household income and whether children and/or other adults live in the property.