MP Praises Simpler Claims for Older People
Tuesday 15th January 2008
Des Browne MP has praised moves by the Department for Work and Pensions which will soon see older people able to get more help with rent and Council Tax bills without having to send off any forms.
The Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne MP said:
"From October this year when a pensioner applies for Housing and Council Tax Benefit the Pension Service will send the necessary information automatically to local authorities. This is a helpful change as it means that the whole application process will become a lot quicker and results in more over-60s getting the help they're entitled to.”
The Pension Service will deal with the entire application over the phone when people claim Pension Credit - and then send on the claim information to the local authority responsible for paying their Housing and Council Tax Benefits.
The change is being introduced as it was found that many pensioners once they had receive a completed form from the Pension Service fail to forward it on to the council who have responsibility to give benefit relief.
The Pension Service will however continue to undertake a range of activities encouraging people to claim, including home visits and working closely with partner organisations.
