Claim the benefits you are entitled to! Urges Michael Connarty MP and local Citizens Advice Bureau

Despite growing anxiety about the rising cost of living, too many people are still missing out on money they are entitled to says the Citizens Advice Bureau. The Citizens Advice Bureau has joined forces with local MP Michael Connarty to urge West Lothian and East Falkirk residents to get information and advice about their benefits entitlements and act now to get the money they are owed.

As much as £9.9 billion in means tested benefits went unclaimed last year, affecting as many as 6 million people. Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Working Tax Credit in particular are all currently massively under claimed.

Jane Marnie, CAB Manger said: “Recent increases in essential everyday expenses means many people are finding it increasingly hard to make ends meet. Yet too many people are missing out on money that is rightfully theirs. Many simply assume they won’t qualify and others are daunted by the prospect of making a claim. But claiming can be simple. We are urging anyone who is unsure about their entitlements or who like help making a claim to come along to the bureau and get a free confidential benefits check”.

But the Citizens Advice Bureau urged people to act now or risk losing out. “It is vital that people don’t delay and put in claims now, as new government proposals due to come into effect in October 2008, will reduce the period people can claim backdated payments from 12 months to 3”.

“We hope that our benefit take up campaign will encourage as many people to claim and that we can help put money back in the pockets of West Lothian and East Falkirk residents as many are struggling with increased day to day costs”.

What could you gain ?

• The average weekly amount of Pension Credit currently going unclaimed is £28.40, enough to make a huge difference for someone living on a low and fixed income and facing rising fuel bills.

• Those struggling to pay their Council Tax bills could benefit from claiming Council Tax Benefit – the average currently going unclaimed is £12.90 a week.

• An adult working 30 hours a week earning the minimum wage could boost their income by up to almost £1,700 a year by claiming working Tax Credit.

• Almost a million people are missing out on £2,280 million of unclaimed Housing Benefit. Around half of working people entitled to housing benefit do not claim.

Where to claim:

You can use the numbers listed below to find out about the various benefits; otherwise your local CAB will ensure you know what you are entitled to and how to claim.

Working Tax Credit 0845 300 3900

Pension Credit 0800 99 1234

Housing Benefit 01506 77 68 00

Council Tax Benefit 01506 77 68 00