PENSIONERS in the region could save hundreds of pounds from their council tax bills by applying for benefits.
Council Tax Benefits Minister Chris Pond is urging pensioners not to miss out on the chance to save £400 a year when local authorities send bills out this month.
He said: "Many pensioners think they do not qualify for a council tax rebate because they live in a big house or own their home.
"As a result, less than half of all home-owners, many of whom are pensioners, claim the money they are entitled to.
"A call now to their local council could save pensioners hundreds of pounds."
More than 290,000 people in the North-East have successfully applied for the benefits.
The Department for Work and Pensions has joined councils across the country to encourage take-up.
As part of the campaign, leaflets have been sent to more than 20,000 organisations that deal with older people and to all councils in England to raise awareness.
* Read John Gordon's benefits advice column in The Northern Echo every Saturday.
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