changes to benefits what you need to know. introduction there are lots of changes that are happening...
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Introduction
• There are lots of changes that are happening to benefits
• This is because the government wants to save money
• The government also thinks that some of the changes will make the benefits system simpler
About this information
• The Government are making lots of changes to benefits over the next few years
• We have tried to give up to date information, but things might change so always ask for advice
• There are some useful contacts at the end of this guide
Personal Independence Payment
• This is also known as PIP• It is a new benefit that will replace Disability
Living Allowance (DLA)• These changes will start to happen from April
2013, but will take until 2016 to happen for some people
• Like DLA, there are 2 parts to PIP. There is money for help with daily living, and money to help get around
Personal Independence Payment
• If you get DLA you will have to apply for PIP• You will be a new test to see if you can get PIP• Most people will need to meet with an
independent doctor or nurse to find out if they can get PIP
• If you get DLA, The Department of Work and Pensions will write to you and ask if you want to apply for PIP
Universal Credit
• Universal Credit is a new benefit that will replace lots of other benefits
• It will replace:• Income Support• Income related Jobseeker’s Allowance• Income related Employment and Support
Allowance• Housing Benefit• Working Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits
Universal Credit
• Universal Credit will be paid once a month for the month just gone
• People will get their rent money and they will have to pay their landlord themselves. There may be ways of getting help with this.
• There will be more ‘testing’ of people’s health or whether they are looking for work
• These changes start in October and it will take 4 years for everyone to change to the new system
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• ESA started to replace Incapacity Benefit in 2008. It will be 2014 before everyone has moved to getting ESA
• Lots of people are being told they should be able to work. This means they get less money
• You might need to give information to show that you are not able to work
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• You may wish to join an ESA Activity or Support Group.
• An Activity Group is for people to learn new skills to help them find a job
• A Support group is for people who probably can’t work yet because of their illness or disability
• People in these groups will get more money than other people
Changes to Council Tax Benefit
• This is being replaced by Local Council Tax Reduction
• Most people who claim benefits will have to pay something towards council tax.
• This includes people who used to get all their council tax paid.
• This will be different in each Borough and District Council area.
• People of pension age are not affected
Size Criteria (Bedroom Tax)
• From April 2013, people who get Housing Benefit will have to pay some of their rent themselves if they have a spare bedroom
• If they have 1 spare bedroom, the Housing Benefit will be cut by 14% (this means if you get £100 it would be cut by £14)
• If they have 2 or more spare bedrooms it will be cut by 25% (this means if you get £100 it would be cut by £25
• People will have to decide if they can afford to pay extra, or move somewhere smaller.
Size Criteria (Bedroom Tax)
• This will happen to all tenants in council or social housing
• Pensioners are not affected• People who need a bedroom for a carer to
stay overnight will not be affected• Some help may be available from local
councils. This is called Discretionary Housing Payments
Social Fund
• Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans were used to help people in trouble
• These stopped in April 2013• Northamptonshire County Council has to find
a way to help people in serious need• But there will be no cash payments or loans
Benefits Cap
• The total amount you can get in benefits will be ‘capped’ at £350 per week for single people and £500 per week for families
• This doesn’t affect pensioners, people getting DLA or some other benefits
• Some help may be available through ‘Discretionary Housing Payments’
• This will happen by September 2013
Information for Family Carers
• Changes to Council Tax Benefit may mean that carers get charged more
• The move from DLA to PIP means that everyone will be ‘re-tested’. If the ‘cared for’ person doesn’t get PIP, this will affect other things such as Carers Allowance and blue badges.
• Carers might be affected by the ‘bedroom tax’
Where to get help
• Benefits can be very complicated• Talk to your support worker if you
need some help• You can talk to a benefits advisor at
the local Job Centre• You could go the government website: www.dwp.gov.uk
Where to get help
• Mencap Direct can provide advice and information
0808 808 1111• This is free even if you call from a
mobile phone• Or you can email: [email protected]
Where to get help
• Citizens Advice Bureaus can give information and advice about benefits:
08444 111 444 www.adviceguide.org.uk• The Northamptonshire CIL can help 01604 588501• Or you can talk to your local
Community Legal Service