Ritchie welcomes changes to State Pension Credit and Housing Benefit

Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie MLA has welcomed changes to the savings threshold for older people when claiming State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit.

The savings threshold for State Pension Credit and Housing Benefit was £6,000. This has been increased to £10,000. The change took effect from 2 November. Customers already getting State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit do not need to do anything as their claim will be automatically reassessed. Letters will be issued advising of the change.

People who applied previously for State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit and were disallowed may now be entitled and people who ruled themselves out in the past are encouraged to apply.

Margaret Ritchie said: “I welcome this change for older people, especially given the impact the current economic downturn may be having on those with savings. Some people are missing out on social security benefits that they are rightfully entitled to. I want to make sure people who are now eligible for State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit claim what they are entitled to.”

Customers can find out more information about State Pension Credit or Housing Benefit on the Money, Tax and Benefits area on the NI Direct website. This includes a Benefits Adviser Service (www.nidirect.gov.uk/benefits-adviser) which provides a benefit calculator with information on 27 benefits/credits/allowances and a Calculation and Comparison Service for 11 benefits. The service is available to both working age and older people and can be accessed anonymously by individuals, or advice organisations, with internet access.

Notes to editors:

1. More advice and information on benefit entitlement is available on www.nidirect.gov.uk and from staff across the network of Social Security Agency offices.
2. Applications for State Pension Credit can be made by phoning the Pension Service on 0808 100 6165. The line is open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. A member of the application line team will fill in an application form over the phone or call back at a more convenient time to fill in an application form. . People with speech or hearing difficulties may use the textphone on 0808 100 1165.
3. Application forms for housing benefit or rate relief can be obtained by phoning Land & Property Services’ helpline on 0845 300 6360, minicom 0845 300 6361, freephone 0800 5877 477 or by emailing: housingbenefit.rating@lpsni.gov.uk. If a person does not own their own home they should contact the Housing Executive on 0844 892 0902.
4. Media enquires to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.