Lone Pensioner Allowance
Ratepayers aged 70 or over who live alone may be entitled to 20 per cent discount on their rates. Tenants and homeowners are eligible for Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA). Your social security benefits should not be affected because the allowance is not means-tested.
How to qualify for LPA
To qualify for LPA, you must be 70 or over and live alone. If you are eligible you can make an application at any time during the rating year. If you are over 70 and don’t live alone you may be entitled to LPA if you:
- live with a carer who is not your spouse or partner
- provide care for someone who lives with you who is not your spouse or partner
- live with anyone who is under the age of 18
- live with someone who has a severe mental impairment including your spouse or partner
LPA for tenants
Tenants can apply for LPA through the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE). To apply to the NIHE you can:
- download and complete the NIHE LPA application form
- telephone 03448 920 902
- download the Relay UK text service app or use text 18001 03448 920 902 to contact, if you’re deaf, have a hearing loss or a speech impairment
More details on how to claim the Lone Pensioner Allowance can be found on the NIHE website
Applying for LPA with Land and Property Services
Homeowners can apply for LPA through Land and Property Services. To apply to LPS you must fill in an application form. You will need to sign the form and provide any documents to support your claim to the address shown on the form.
You can get an application form or contact LPS by:
- LPS Lone Pensioner Allowance application form
- telephone: 0300 200 7801
- text relay: 18001 0300 200 7801
- email: applicationbased.raterelief@finance-ni.gov.uk
or you can write to:
Land & Property Services
Lone Pensioner Allowance
Lanyon Plaza
7 Lanyon Place
Town Parks
Belfast
BT1 3LP
Information you will need to provide
- your National Insurance Number (on the form)
- Proof of your date of birth using a passport, driving licence, smart pass or medical card
Paying your rates
If you apply for help, you must still pay your rates bill while LPS assesses your application. If your application is successful, LPS will refund the amount you have overpaid or credit the amount due to your account.
A ratepayer can be awarded LPA along with Disabled Persons Allowance and Housing Benefit/Rate Relief. Any award of LPA should not affect your entitlement to social security benefits.
If you want more information about help paying your rates, contact the outreach officer in LPS: