25 March 09 Dodds wants more to benefit from rate reliefs

At this time of increasing economic pressure the minister was keen to highlight that there is help available and that many people are not claiming what they are entitled to.

The minister said: “There are a number of reliefs and entitlements that are available to those on a low income and to pensioners. The Housing Benefit Scheme and the new Rate Relief Scheme are there to provide help to those facing hardship but many people are simply not claiming.

“If you or someone else in your household has a disability you may be entitled to a 25% reduction in your rate bill. The disabled persons allowance is not means tested. I would urge anyone who thinks they may benefit from this entitlement to look at what is on offer.

“The Lone Pensioner Allowance is another example of the tangible help the Executive is providing to people across Northern Ireland. Again this is not means tested and applying for it is very simple, with only a one page form to complete.”

The minister also highlighted the availability of the Early Payment Discount. He said: “Even if you don’t qualify for these allowances if you pay your rates in full you will be entitled to Early Payment Discount of 4%. This discount is available to those domestic ratepayers that pay their rate bill in full within one month of its issue.”

Housing Benefit (sometimes called Rate Rebate) is a Social Security benefit to help people on a low income to pay their rent or rates. Land & Property Services is responsible for the administration of Housing Benefit and Rate Relief for people who own and occupy their own homes. If you do not own your own home the Housing Executive can help you claim Housing Benefit or Rate Relief. If you need help filling in you form, someone from Land & Property Services or the Housing Executive can help you.

Even if you're not sure whether you can claim Housing Benefit, or if you have tried to claim in the past but not been successful, you should apply again, because now you may be entitled to help through the Rate Relief Scheme.

The new Rate Relief Scheme helps you if you are:

·a pensioner and you have savings of less than £50,000;

·getting Housing Benefit for only part of your rate bill; or

·just outside the income limit for receiving Housing Benefit.

To get an application form for Disabled Persons Allowance, Lone Pensioner Allowance, Housing Benefit or Rate Relief phone Land & Property Services helpline on 0845 300 6360, minicom 0845 300 6361 or contact us on Freephone 0800 5877 477; email housingbenefit.rating@lpsni.gov.uk .

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