News
March 2005
Budget boost for older people
In the March 2005 Budget Speech, the Chancellor announced a one-off payment of up to £200 to help older people with Council Tax bills and a £50 payment to help with living expenses.
People aged 65 or over, not in receipt of the guarantee element of Pension Credit during the qualifying week 19 to 25 September 2005 will receive a payment of £200 per household.
People aged 70 or over who receive the guarantee element of Pension Credit during the qualifying week 19 to 25 September 2005 will receive a payment of £50 to help with living expenses.
Those people who get the guarantee element of Pension Credit are also entitled to full Council Tax Benefit, provided they claim it from their local council. Council Tax Benefit can help with the cost of some or all of your Council Tax bill, even if you own your home. If you haven’t yet claimed Council Tax Benefit, contact your local council for further details and a claim form.
The Age-related Payments 2005 will be paid automatically with the Winter
Fuel Payment for winter 2005/06. Both payments are tax-free and will
not affect a person’s State Pension or any benefits they may be
entitled to.
Find out more about Council Tax Benefit on the Department for Work and Pensions website