4 hours Ago By [email protected] (Graeme Murray)
Martin Lewis says millions could be missing out on a huge household bills' discount. The Money Saving Expert said 2.25 million of us who are on low incomes could be losing out on a discount on our Council Tax.
On his ITV show, the Martin Lewis Money Show, he highlights those who could save more cash. He says: "This is the big one. There's Council Tax support worth up to £1,500 a year missed by 2.
25 million people. It's run council-by council, for people on lower incomes and can cut your Council Tax bill in some case by up to 100%. But even if not 50% is still a lot.
" He goes on to explain who qualifies for the discount adding: "It often applies to people on means-tested benefits Universal Credit and Pension Credit, I keep talking about that, underclaimed but very important." Martin added: "This is the big fact though, so I put in capital red. People think if they are on Universal Credit or Pension Credit they'll get everything that's coming to them.
You don't. The Council Tax benefit, even if you are getting Universal Credit, you must apply separately to your council to get it and that is why so many are missing out. So if you're on a lower income, look at your council's policy and see if you can apply to get this money- it's crucially important.
" Martin previously warned more than a million people they could be missing out on an additional £3,800 a year. Those who are disabled or are at an age were they can receive state pension could be eligible to claim the amount, but many people do not. Financial help for pensioners has been curbed this year under the new Labour government.
And the means-testing of Winter Fuel Payments make getting help through any means possible will be helpful. But Martin says it's vital those who need help get it. He told people previously about a campaign to raise awareness about Attendance Allowance (AA) and says his site had been flooded by those asking if they would qualify for it.
He insisted it remains "massively underclaimed" and urged others to apply. An estimated 1.1 million eligible pensioners could be missing out say the figures for 2023 Policy in Practice calculations.
He said: "So whether it's you, or someone you know who may qualify, take two minutes to read this. Last week, Andrea sent us this email..
" She said: "I never thought I'd qualify [for Attendance Allowance], but I do. I got £1,260 backdated and £290 every four weeks. Thanks for all your work".
