Dodds encourages take-up of Lone Pensioner Allowance

Finance Minister Nigel Dodds today encouraged more people to apply for Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA).

The allowance entitles pensioners aged 70 or over who live alone to a 20% discount in their rates bill.

Calling for those who think they may be eligible to apply for the allowance the minister said: “In the past year in Northern Ireland over 17,000 pensioners have benefited from this assistance with their rates bill, to the tune of around £3million. However, many more older people may be entitled to this discount than currently 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.

“If you are aged 70 or over and are living alone, or you have family member in this situation, I would urge to you look at the allowances and discounts on offer.”

LPA is one of a range of measures adopted by the Executive to assist those who need help with paying their rates. The Executive also increased the savings threshold for pensioners applied under the rate relief scheme from £16,000 to £50,000 last April. The average award made under both LPA and the rate relief scheme is around £160.

The minister continued by outlining some of the other measures the Executive has taken to benefit local people. He said:

“In delivering for the people of Northern Ireland we have frozen domestic rates for three years and deferred water charges, as well as reducing the cost of prescription charges with a view to abolishing them next year and providing free public transport for pensioners.”

“The Lone Pensioner Allowance is another example of the tangible help that the Executive is providing to one of our most vulnerable groups in our society.”

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

If you own and live in your own home, and wish to apply you can phone Land & Property Services’ helpline on 0845 300 6360 (textphone 0845 3006361); call in at your local Land & Property Services office; or go to www.helpwithratesni.gov.uk.

If you rent your home or you used to own the property you live in and you still have to pay rates, you can phone the Housing Executive on 08448 920902 for more information; call in at your local Housing Executive office; or go to www.nihe.gov.uk and download an application form.

Notes to Editors:

1. Media enquiries only to DFP Communications Office on 028 9052 7374 or 028 9052 7375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
2. Access to Benefits A2B is a not-for-profit organisation working to improve benefit uptake for people of retirement age. A2B is developing technology and training resources aimed at the voluntary, community and public sectors and at older people themselves.
3. The Lone Pensioner Allowance was introduced in April 2008 following the Executive’s Review of Rating Reform.
4. A pensioner aged 70 or above may still be eligible to the allowance even if someone else lives with them, for example if they are providing care to the person and are not a disqualified relative.