Lone Pensioner Allowance (for Owner-Occupiers)



Benefit Category Housing

Overview
What is it?
From April 2008, a new discount of 20% is available on your rates bill if you are over 70 and live alone. There are some exceptions to the rule about living alone – you may be classed as living alone if:
  • the person who normally lives with you is in long term hospital, residential or nursing care;
  • you live with a child under 18 or a person over 18 for whom you get Child Benefit;
  • you live with someone who is certified by a doctor as being severely mentally impaired;
  • you get the high rate of Attendance Allowance, the high rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance at the highest rate AND someone lives with you who is not your spouse or partner and they provide care for you for more than 35 hours per week;
  • you provide care for more than 35 hours per week for a person who lives with you who is not your spouse or partner AND that person gets the high rate of Attendance Allowance, the high rate care component of Disability Living Allowance or Constant Attendance Allowance at the highest rate.
Lone Pensioner Allowance can only be paid on your main dwelling – it does not apply to second homes.

How do I get it?

For more information about this you can contact a local advice service.

If you own and live in your home, you can get an application form by calling Land and Property Services on 0300 200 7801 or online at http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/index/information-and-services/property-and-housing/rates/help-with-paying-your-rates/lone-pensioner-allowance-2.htm

Qualifying Factors
  • Age
What information and documents do I need when applying?
  • Details of rent and/or rates bill