South Hams residents are being encouraged to see if they qualify for help with rent or council tax.

As part of a working together approach, South Hams District Council was given details by the Pension Service of people who may be eligible to claim council tax or housing benefit.

As a result, out of the 300 people notified to the council, it was found that two-thirds had either moved or were no longer eligible because they were living with relatives or friends or now resided in a care home.

The 100 remaining customers were contacted by the council and 51 per cent were found to be entitled to council tax and/or housing benefit and have claimed an extra £110,723 in benefits.

Council tax benefit could help pay towards some or all of a household's council tax bill if the householder is on a low income. This can apply to people who own their own home and to people who work.

Housing benefit can help towards the cost of rent for people who are on a low income.

South Hams District Council officers will work out if people qualify for help, taking into account individual circumstances such as age and how many people live in the property.

Executive member for Housing, Cllr Mike Saltern, said: "Clearly it is important for anyone who may be entitled to claim benefits to obtain what is rightly due to them. I would encourage anyone who feels they may have an entitlement to contact the council and make a claim. Don't delay; make a claim because it could be your benefit."

Anyone who thinks they may be entitled to claim for council tax and/or housing benefits should apply to the council as soon as possible.

To help make the claim process as painless as possible, the council has a team of visiting officers to help people complete the forms in their own home.

This way the council can help take the hassle out of getting money which people could well be entitled to.

To make a claim or to find out more information call the council's benefit team on 01803 861431 or 01803 861158. Alternatively visit the council's website at www.southhams.gov.uk.