Pensioners 'to lose out' on benefits back-pay

kennythecelt · 21st August 2008, 12:28

"Thousands of pensioners are set to lose hundreds of pounds in benefits when changes are introduced in October.
Charities have warned that the reforms, which will cut the amount of time pensioners have to claim backdated benefits, will mean that some of the most vulnerable pensioners will be left out of pocket.
From October 6, pensioners will only be able to claim backdated pension credits, housing benefit and council tax benefits for the previous three months, rather that the 12 months currently allowed.
The changes are part of a plan to allow pensioners to apply for all three benefits in one phone call without the need to fill in any forms. "

Pensioners 'to lose out' on benefits back-pay

Conniff · 21st August 2008, 22:47

I don't see how allowing them to claim 3 months is any different to claiming 12 months.

Another Broon beauty, and more money in their pension pot.

sallysas · 31st August 2008, 10:46

Pension Credits have been with us for what 5 years now so I suppose quite a proportion of pensioners are in receipt of PC now. As far as I am aware there was a campaign by them to contact pensioners who would quality but were unaware of this. I suppose they just want to cut back on the public purse but I agree it does seem morally reprensible.

Zamzara · 31st August 2008, 15:07

The problem is a lot of people struggle for a while before asking for help. Limiting council tax benefit is especially draconian, as people can end up with months of arrears that they never should have been liable for in the first place.

seftonview · 31st August 2008, 17:29

It's not really that big a deal.

For a very long time (as long as I can remember), the maximum backdating of means tested benefits has been three months.

Subjects have the right to support from the State, and thence have the responsibility to be expeditious in seeking help.

sallysas · 2nd September 2008, 18:04

Don't know if this is due to change BUT if you can show a valid reason as to why you did not claim earliuer e.g. been misadvised by official body (jobcentres being a good example) it can be backdated up to 12 months. No idea if this will change next month - will ask at work tomorrow.

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