Lone Pensioner Allowance
If you're 70 or over and live alone, Lone Pensioner Allowance (LPA) takes 20% off your rates. It isn't means tested, it doesn't affect your benefits, and you have to apply for it.
Who qualifies
You must be 70 or over and live alone, in a home you rent or own. The regulations say "attained the age of 70", so you can apply from your 70th birthday.
You may still qualify if you don't live alone but live with:
- a carer who isn't your spouse or partner
- someone you care for who isn't your spouse or partner
- anyone under 18
- someone with a severe mental impairment such as dementia, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, including your spouse or partner
It is only for your only or main home. If you have more than one home, it applies to the one you live in as your main residence.
What it is worth
LPA is 20% of your rates. For a home valued at £150,000, that's between £285.75 and £366.42 a year, depending on the council.
| Council | Bill | 20% off | You pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lisburn & Castlereagh | £1,428.75 | £285.75 | £1,143.00 |
| Mid Ulster | £1,483.35 | £296.67 | £1,186.68 |
| Antrim & Newtownabbey | £1,497.60 | £299.52 | £1,198.08 |
| Ards and North Down | £1,499.10 | £299.82 | £1,199.28 |
| Fermanagh & Omagh | £1,504.05 | £300.81 | £1,203.24 |
| Belfast | £1,507.65 | £301.53 | £1,206.12 |
| Newry, Mourne and Down | £1,583.70 | £316.74 | £1,266.96 |
| Causeway Coast & Glens | £1,599.00 | £319.80 | £1,279.20 |
| Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon | £1,645.65 | £329.13 | £1,316.52 |
| Mid & East Antrim | £1,684.05 | £336.81 | £1,347.24 |
| Derry City & Strabane | £1,832.10 | £366.42 | £1,465.68 |
If you qualify for only part of the year, for example because you turn 70 in October, the allowance is reduced in proportion.
How to apply
Homeowners
Apply to LPS on the LPA application form. You'll need your National Insurance number. Sign the form and send it with any supporting documents to the address on it. You can contact the LPA team on 0300 200 7801 or [email protected].
Tenants
Apply to the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, using its LPA form or by phoning 03448 920 902.
You can apply at any time during the rating year. Keep paying your bill until LPS decides. If you're awarded LPA, LPS refunds what you overpaid or credits your account.
With other help
LPA can be awarded alongside Disabled Persons Allowance and Housing Benefit or Rate Relief, and it doesn't affect your social security benefits.
Where you also get Housing Benefit or Rate Relief, the regulations work LPA out on the bill after that help has been taken off. They don't say how LPA and Disabled Persons Allowance combine, and LPS doesn't publish an example, so the calculator on this site applies one allowance at a time.
If you are refused
You can ask for a review within 28 days of the decision notice. If you're unhappy with the review, you can appeal to the Northern Ireland Valuation Tribunal, generally within 28 days.
Questions
Is Lone Pensioner Allowance means tested?
No. Your income and savings don't matter, and getting it doesn't affect your social security benefits.
Can I get it if a grandchild lives with me?
You may. People aged 70 or over who live with anyone under 18 can still be entitled.
Can I get Lone Pensioner Allowance and Disabled Persons Allowance together?
Yes, both can be awarded. LPS does not publish how the two percentages combine on one bill, so check your bill or ask LPS for the exact figure.
Do I have to keep paying while I wait?
Yes. Keep paying until LPS decides. If you are awarded the allowance, LPS refunds the overpayment or credits your account.
Sources
Read on 2 November 2026. This guide explains the rules in plain words. It isn't legal or financial advice, and the decision on your bill is LPS's.