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| • Chris Perry, the Director of Age Concern Hampshire. |
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New Government figures show that up to £770 million in Council Tax Benefit is unclaimed every year and up to 1.7 million pensioner households are missing out.
1 Many retired people in Hampshire are unaware they could cut their council tax bill by up to £425 a year2 . If in doubt contact Age Concern Hampshire on Freephone 0800 32 87 154.
The charity is launching its annual Your Rights Week on Friday 16 April 2004 – a seven-day drive to help retired people boost their income by claiming the benefits which are rightfully theirs.
With increased benefit rates in place from Monday 12 April, the message is clear - 'don't miss out, claim your benefits now'.
More than two million retired people now live in poverty yet despite contributing all their lives they are more likely than any other group to miss out on benefits cash.
Benefits that retired people miss out on include Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit or non means-tested cash such as Attendance Allowance.
In some cases, pensioners can double their income. Whilst some are put off because they don't realise they are entitled, others find the system too complicated or feel there is a stigma attached and would rather 'make do'.
Age Concern Hampshire works with the Pension Service hosting pension surgeries in both Winchester and Havant Age Concern Hampshire offices. We are committed to assisting as many retired people as possible to receive their maximum pension and benefits.
Chris Perry, the Director of Age Concern Hampshire said: "Claiming benefits doesn't have to be difficult and can make a real difference to your quality of life.
We have advisors available throughout the year to give relevant information and practical assistance to retired people across Hampshire."
Age Concern Hampshire are working with other Age Concern groups and organisations during Your Rights Week Events. Come on board the Age Concern Hampshire Information & Advice Bus to learn more about Your Rights. It will be located in:
Eastleigh - Friday 16 April
Cowplain - Monday 19 April
Portsmouth - Tuesday 20 April
Gosport -Wednesday 21 April
BENEFIT RATES 2004
Basic State Pension
Single person: £79.60 (from 77.45 in April 2003)
Couple: £127.25 (from 123.80) ,
Standard rates - Pension Credit guarantee
Single person: £105.45 (from 102.10)
Couple: £160.95 (from 155.80)
These rates are higher for some severely disabled people, carers and homeowners with certain housing costs. People with modest savings may also benefit from the savings credit element of Pension credit.
Housing Benefit (help with rent) and Council Tax Benefit levels are dependent upon factors including people's income, savings, the level of rent and Council Tax they have to pay.
For many older people receiving Pension Credit guarantee, benefits can cover all their rent and Council Tax; others can get some help to reduce these bills. |
