Pensioners across England are missing out on up to £1.71billion in council tax relief, according to research from charity Independent Age.
The organisation's report, titled "Missing out on millions", calculates that if every eligible person above state pension age received a council tax reduction, some 74,000 older households across Great Britain could be lifted out of poverty.
Independent Age, which focuses on financial hardship among older people, warns that this vital entitlement is failing to reach those who need it most.
The charity's data exposes stark geographical disparities in uptake rates across the country. Southern regions fare worst, with both the South West and South East recording just 46 per cent of eligible pensioners receiving the support.
Pensioners are missing out on council tax support
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By contrast, the North East leads with 60 per cent of those entitled actually claiming. For low-income pensioners who do claim, the financial relief can be substantial.
Council tax reductions have the potential to eliminate an average annual bill of £2,392 entirely, translating to weekly savings of £46.
Unlike energy or other household costs, council tax offers no flexibility for struggling households to reduce payments or seek alternative providers.
Roy, a 66-year-old from Birmingham who receives a council tax reduction, described the difference the support makes to his daily life.
He shared: "If I hadn't applied for council tax reduction, I'd be paying more than £900 a year in Council Tax. The money I'm saving on my council tax bills means that I don't have to be cold in winter and I can turn my heating on.
Pensioners are being urged to check their eligibility for benefits
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Council tax rises over the years | GOV.UK"I don't have to worry so much if a bill that is higher than expected comes or if I have any unforeseen expenses. And I can afford to buy myself fresh and healthy food."
The charity's survey of low-income pensioners found many viewed council tax as a cost that pushed their finances to breaking point, yet prioritised payment to avoid arrears.
This forces some into debt or cutting back on water, food and energy. Widespread confusion between council tax reduction and council tax discounts may also be suppressing claims.
Joanna Elson, the chief executive of Independent Age, said the findings demonstrated how rising council tax was deepening financial hardship among older people.
Council tax will go up across the country | GETTYShe shared: "Older people on low incomes are having their budgets stretched to breaking point, and rising council tax is pushing far too many pensioners deeper into financial hardship.
"Our research shows that the lack of council tax reduction take-up is keeping a shocking 74,000 older households in poverty.
"It's not right that people in later life are cutting back on essentials such as food and heating so they can cover their council tax bill when this help is available to them."
The charity is urging ministers to reform council tax reduction through ring-fenced funding, a simplified application process, and improved awareness campaigns.