Wilson encourages take-up of Lone Pensioner Allowance and other rate reliefs

Finance Minister Sammy Wilson today encouraged more people to apply for Lone Pensioner Allowance and the various rate reliefs available.

At this time of increasing economic pressure, the Minister was keen to highlight that there is help available and that many people are not claiming the allowances which are available to them. Take up of rate relief is currently lowest in the Larne, Antrim, Coleraine, Moyle and Ards council districts and work is ongoing to ensure that people in these areas become more aware of the benefits to which they are entitled.

Speaking at an event in Larne, attended by a number of elderly residents in the area, the Minister said: "The current economic climate is putting real financial pressure on everyone and in particular, many of our more vulnerable citizens. I therefore want to ensure that people who are struggling to pay their rate bill are aware of the range of financial assistance available.

"The Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA), for example, entitles pensioners aged 70 or over who live alone, to a 20% discount in their rates bill. In the past two years in Northern Ireland over 21,000 pensioners have benefited from this assistance with their rates bill, to the tune of around £3.5million.

"However, many older people who may be entitled to this discount currently do not claim and I am taking this opportunity to encourage pensioners to apply if they think they might qualify. If they are eligible they will receive this help irrespective of their income as LPA is not means tested."

LPA is just one of a range of measures available to assist those who need help with paying their rates. The Minister continued: "There are a number of other reliefs and entitlements that are available to those on a low income and to pensioners. The Housing Benefit Scheme and the Rate Relief Scheme are there to provide help to those facing hardship. However, many people are simply not claiming.

"Also, if you or someone else in your household has a disability you may be entitled to a 25% reduction in your rate bill, through the Disabled Person’s Allowance. I would urge anyone who thinks they may benefit from any of these entitlements to look at what is on offer."

Supporting the Minister’s call for more people to apply for LPA and rate relief, Zoe Anderson from Access to Benefits (A2B), a not-for-profit organisation working to improve benefit uptake for people of retirement age, said: "Many people simply are not aware that if they are over 70 and live alone, they can save money on their rates. Do not worry if you have never claimed benefits before, LPA is not means-tested and the application process is simple. We would urge anyone who thinks they may qualify to get an application form and to also apply for Housing Benefit and Rate Relief at the same time."

To get an application form for Disabled Persons Allowance, Lone Pensioner Allowance, Housing Benefit or Rate Relief, phone Land & Property Services helpline on 101 NI Direct, visit LPS website or email housingbenefit.rating@lpsni.gov.uk .

Notes to editors:

1. Housing Benefit (previously called Rate Rebate) is a Social Security benefit to help people on a low income to pay their rent or rates. Land & Property Services is responsible for the administration of Housing Benefit and Rate Relief for people who own and occupy their own homes. If you do not own your own home, the Housing Executive can help you claim Housing Benefit or Rate Relief. If you need help filling in your form, someone from Land & Property Services or the Housing Executive can help you.
2. Even if you are not sure whether you can claim Housing Benefit, or if you have tried to claim in the past but not been successful, you should apply again, because now you may be entitled to help through the Rate Relief Scheme.
3. The Rate Relief Scheme helps you if you are:
   - a pensioner and you have savings of less than £50,000;
   - getting Housing Benefit for only part of your rate bill; or
   - just outside the income limit for receiving Housing Benefit.
4. The Disabled Persons Allowance is a 25% reduction in rates for any household where a person with a disability lives and the property has been adapted or has had additional facilities added. This allowance is not affected by income or savings.
5. Media enquires only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9025 5734. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.