Pensioners need advice on law change
Published Date:
16 February 2008
PENSIONERS are being advised to seek benefits advice before a change in the law in April.
Age Concern Northamptonshire has warned those claiming benefits there will be a change in the way pensions are backdated.
From October 2008, the pension service will deal with entire claims over the phone.
Lynne Davies, Age Concern Northamptonshire Service Advice Manager, said: "Currently, a pensioner can claim a backdate of up to 52 weeks for Pension Credit, Housing and Council Tax Benefit. For example a pensioner entitled to Council Tax Benefit of £10 per week, making a new claim now, can receive up to £520 in backdated benefit.
"However, if that same pensioner delays making the claim until after April this year, the backdate will only be worth approx £130 because the backdating period will be reduced to three months. The loss to that pensioner will be £390."
Age Concern Northants advises people to call and get a full benefits check on Northampton 611200 or the National Information Line on 0800 00 99 66.
The full article contains 176 words and appears in Northampton Chron & Echo newspaper.
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Last Updated:
16 February 2008 7:11 AM
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Source:
Northampton Chron & Echo
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Location:
Northampton
