Welfare: Benefit Changes that may affect you!
| 
| 
You may be aware of the Welfare changes that have come into effect from April this year. There are more changes to take place over the next couple of years that may also affect you or your household.
The main changes that will affect our tenants have been listed below:
You may be aware of the Welfare changes that have come into effect from April this year. There are more changes to take place over the next couple of years that may also affect you or your household.
The main changes that will affect our tenants have been listed below:
April 2011
Housing Benefit – Non dependant deductions ( a person aged 18 or over who lives with you as part of your family, eg. adult sons and daughters) is the amount that the Council deducts from your Housing Benefit entitlement each week for each non-dependant. This will be increased over the next 3 years. The new levels are shown below, and will increase by the same approximate amount each year for the two following years.
| Current deductions: | Deductions wef April: | |
| Gross income per week aged 18+: | ||
| £122 | £7.40 | £ 9.40 |
| £122 - £179.99 | £17.00 | £21.55 |
| £180 - £233.99 | £23.35 | £29.60 |
| £234.00 – £309.99 | £38.20 | £48.45 |
| £310.00 - £386.99 | £43.50 | £55.20 |
| £387 or more | £47.75 | £60.60 |
This means that you will have to pay more each week towards your rent. Please contact the Rents Team on 01492 572727 if you are unsure whether this will affect you.
Tax credits – The amount of income change that is used to calculate your tax credit entitlement has been reduced considerably this year, and will reduce even further in the next couple of years. This means that it is really important to tell them about any change in your income to reduce the possibility of overpayments. Any drop in your income may entitle you to some Housing Benefit so do apply if you don’t already receive it!
The amount of childcare costs that parents can claim through the childcare element of Working Tax Credit has reduced this month from 80% to 70%.
People aged 60 and over, working 16 hours or more a week may now be able to apply for Working Tax Credit. See useful contacts for the number to request a claim pack.
Incapacity claimants will be reassessed as to their capacity to work. Those assessed as fully capable of work will be required to make a claim for Job Seekers Allowance. Those who cannot work or have limited capability to work will move to Employment and Support Allowance. Claimants who fail to complete a questionnaire or attend a medical will have their incapacity benefit claim stopped.
Sure Start Maternity Grant – this will only be available for the first child.
If you have any concerns or want some more advice regarding any of these changes you can access information from the following websites, or contact the Agencies direct. Alternatively contact the Rents Team on 01492 572727.
