Pensioners in Wirral and residents who receive Child Benefit may be entitled to more Housing or Council Tax Benefit when changes come into effect this month.

From 2 November, Council’s across the country will ignore up to £10,000 of capital held by any pensioners when processing applications for Housing or Council Tax Benefit. In addition to this, they will no longer consider Child Benefit as an income when people apply for assistance. This means that some residents, who did not previously qualify because of their income, could now be entitled to support.

Malcolm Flanagan, Head of Benefits, Revenues & Customer Services and Wirral Council explained: "We want to make sure that people in Wirral are receiving what they are entitled to and although each case is different, these changes could mean that some pensioners or people who receive child benefit may now be eligible for help with paying their rent or Council Tax. If anyone wants to check whether they may become entitled, they will need to complete an application form, providing details of their personal income, including any savings and capital, and their household’s income."

To find out more see the Council’s website at www.wirral.gov.uk <http://www.wirral.gov.uk/>  or for an application form visit any of the One Stop Shops or contact the Call Centre on 0151 606 2002.