PENSIONERS who previously did not qualify for housing and council tax benefits may now do so, following a change in the rules.

The capital threshold has risen from £6,000 to £10,000 when assessing people for their entitlement to the two benefits.

Anyone already receiving the benefits on November 2, will have their entitlement recalculated.

The change will not affect anyone on income support or pension credit (guarantee credit) because they will already be receiving the maximum amount.

Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to extra benefit can get advice from Age Concern Bexley or the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.