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21-Aug-08 12:15 [Pensions]
Over 100,000 pensioners face loss of benefits Thousands of pensioners may miss out on backdated benefits worth up to £2,000 after changes to the process come into force from October 6th.
Anybody that wishes to apply for housing, pension or council tax benefits will have backdated claims limited to three months instead of a year - potentially affecting 100,000 pensioners across the UK.
The average claim of this nature last year was £700, with the maximum received payment at £2,000.
Government changes are being put in place due to a proposed major reform of the means-tested claims service, with the £100 million saved through limitation of backdated claims being used to fund pension credit and winter fuel payments.
"Many pensioners are still not claiming benefits they may be entitled to," said pensions minister Mike O'Brien.
"That's why we are making every effort to urge pensioners who may be eligible to claim and making the process as easy as possible."
Yesterday, the Daily Mirror highlighted the impact of the rising cost of living on pensions, with Age Concern adding that the Government should do more to help those in need.
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