19 March - Residents could be owed hundreds of pounds in benefits

An estimated £1.8billion of Council Tax Benefit is going unclaimed each year across the UK and people could be owed as much as £600. The Department for Work and Pensions is actively encouraging home owners, pensioners and people on low incomes to find out if they are eligible for a rebate on their council tax bill.

Council Tax Benefit offers anyone on a low income help towards paying their bill. Many people, particularly pensioners who own their home, are unaware that they have the right to this help. People claiming Pension Credit can also access Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit at the same time via The Pension Service: one phone call, one number, three benefits.

Benefits Minister James Plaskitt said:

"Many people could see their Council Tax bill reduced or even paid in full just by filling in a form.

"We want to ensure that as far as possible people get the money they are entitled to - it is a right not a privilege.

"We encourage people to tell their friends and family about Council Tax Benefit and urge them to contact their local authority to find out what they are entitled to."

Notes to editors

DWP estimate that eligible non-recipients of Council Tax Benefit could be missing out on an average of £11.50 per week or £600 per year.

What is Council Tax Benefit?

Council Tax Benefit, which is paid in the form of a rebate, helps pay towards, or covers in full, an individual's Council Tax bill. People on a low income who are liable for Council Tax should apply. Local Authorities (LAs) administer Council Tax Benefit.

How is Council Tax Benefit worked out?

The council will work out if someone qualifies for help, taking into account their individual circumstances. This will include their age, income and whether they live alone.

Latest 2004-2005 figures:

• Take up among pensioners is 53-58%
• Take-up among eligibleowner-occupiers, the majority of whom are pensioners, is 36-41%
• Justover half of the pensioners who did not claim CTB in 2004/05 were in the poorest fifth of the population.
• Take-up for working age people is 76-85%
• Take-up for private tenants is 78-86 % and local authority tenants is 87-93%

How can people claim?

• Phone their local authority to obtain a claim form. If they have received their Council Tax bill they will find the number on there.
• For further help and information log on to the Department for Work and Pensions website http://www.dwp.gov.uk
• Pensioners applying for Pension Credit can also apply for Council Tax Benefit and Housing Benefit at the same time. All they need to do is phone 0800 99 1234.