PENSIONERS and over-60s struggling to pay their council tax and rent could find they now qualify for help.
Kirklees Council is offering help to people in need.
The Government has changed the housing benefit and council tax benefit regulations for the over-60s.
Clr Gordon Beever, Kirklees Cabinet member for finance and legal services, said:
"Many customers aged over 60 are now receiving extra payments to help cover their council tax and rent.
"We estimate that in Kirklees there are another 1,500 pensioner households who don't claim the benefits they are entitled to and who could qualify for extra assistance with their rent or council tax.
"The Government has also changed the rules, so more pensioners with some savings will qualify.
"Pensioners who perhaps have claimed in the past, but missed out from receiving benefit by a few pounds, should make a new claim to see if they now qualify".
Clr Beever added: "The rules are complex, but a single pensioner over 65 who has a rent of £50 per week may qualify for some help to pay it, even if they have an income of over £190 per week.
"A pensioner couple paying Band C council tax in Kirklees should qualify for help with their payments if their income is less than £267 per week."
For more information phone 01484 414950, e-mail revenues.benefits.gov.uk or call in at a Kirklees Information Point, Cash and Information Offices or Neighbourhood Housing Offices.
