22 April 2004 - Age-related payments bill enables £100 cash boost for over 70s
The Age-Related Payments Bill was introduced in the House of Commons today to enable the payment of £100 to households with someone aged 70 or over following the Chancellor’s budget announcement.
The Budget announced a cash boost of £100 per household in recognition of pensioners’ council tax bills which can take up a large percentage of fixed income.
The new money will be paid with the 2004 –05 Winter Fuel Payments which means that eligible households with someone 70 or over will get £300 (including £200 winter fuel payment) and eligible households in the country with a pensioner 80 or over will get £400 (including the enhanced £300 winter fuel payment).
Andrew Smith, Secretary of State said:
“ We are absolutely committed to improving the lives of pensioners. This £100 payment from the Government in 2004/05 is a tax free lump-sum that will help pensioners budget for this year's Council Tax and also provide some help with other living expenses.
“We are working hard to encourage pensioners to take up Pension Credit and Council Tax Benefit and this extra payment is another step forward in supporting pensioners.”
Notes for editors
- To qualify for the payment you must be residing here and be 70 on or before 26th September 2004.
- The £100 payment will not affect any other benefits or entitlements.
- Pension Credit replaced the Minimum Income Guarantee and has been payable since October 6th 2003.
- A copy of the Age-Related Payments Bill is available at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/pabills.htm
For further information please contact:
Press Officer: Vicki Kennedy on 020 7238 0640
Press office: 020 7238 0866
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk