Law change will see more benefits for older people

A change in the law may see many more older people get help towards council tax and the cost of their rent.

From Monday, November 2 the lower capital limit for people over 60 will be increased from £6,000 to £10,000 in the calculation of housing and council tax benefit. 

This will mean that savings, investments, a share of a second property or other capital worth up to £10,000 will be disregarded in calculating entitlement to housing benefit and council tax  benefit for those over 60.

Currently any capital over £6,000 but less than the upper limit of £16,000 counts as income against these benefits.

For example, currently a pensioner with capital of £8,500 would be considered to have a tariff income of £5 per week in the assessment of both housing and council tax benefit.  From November there would be no tariff income included in this assessment.

However, the changes regarding the capital limit will not affect residents who are already receiving full entitlement.

In addition, people already getting housing and council tax benefit do not need to contact the Council to have their entitlement re-assessed as all claims affected by the change will be automatically updated.

For more information visit the town halls in Blackburn or Darwen or telephone 0845 0701066 or contact Age Concern Blackburn with Darwen for free, confidential advice on Blackburn 01254 266620 or Darwen 01254 773440