pensioners in West Devon are being urged to claim council tax benefit as part of a national campaign to stop people missing out on money that is rightfully theirs. Of the 22,000 households in the West Devon Borough Council area, 2,600 receive council tax benefit and just over 1,500 of those claimants are of pensionable age. But the council is convinced that more pensioners are eligible for the benefit. For example, pensioners who only get the basic pension and no other sources of income are likely to receive the maximum 100 % benefit - that means they will not have to pay council tax. In order to receive the benefit, they must apply for it and are advised to contact the council?s dedicated helpline ? 01822 618888. Application forms are available through contacting the helpline or by collecting one from the council offices at the Quay opposite the bus station in Tavistock. Nationally, the government says that up to 1.7 million pensioners ? four out of ten ? are missing out on three quarters of a billion pounds in council tax benefit, which goes unclaimed. Less than half of home-owning pensioners are claiming the money they should get and some pensioners are missing out on a 100% refund. Cllr Dick Eberlie, chairman of the council?s strategy and resources committee, said: ?Pensioners have worked hard all their lives and they should not be too proud to claim. ?The important message is that in order to receive it, pensioners must apply and West Devon Borough Council will only be too happy to help.
