BenefitChanges.
Welfare Reform
Our last few editions have given you a lot of information about the changes to benefits. We’ve had lots of questions through about this topic. When do the under-occupation changes take effect?
When will Universal Credit come in?
You will need to respond otherwise your benefits will stop.
The new size limit rules are due to take effect on 1 April 2013.
Universal Credit will replace income based working age benefits from October 2013 for new applicants and people whose circumstances have changed.
What can you do to help me?
Why are Wolverhampton Homes doing this to me? These changes are not being brought it in by Wolverhampton Homes. The Government introduced these changes in the Welfare Reform Act. I share the care of my children with my ex-partner, are we both entitled to a room for them? Where parents who don’t live together have shared care of their children, the children will be treated as living with the parent who is responsible for them and provides their main home. (Usually the person who is receiving Child Benefit for them). The parent who does not provide the main home will not be entitled to receive Housing Benefit for an extra room for their child/children. My child is away at university, can I keep their room for when they are home in the holidays? The new size limit rules do not allow for this, unless the absence is temporary (less than thirteen weeks or 52 weeks for students) and the young person concerned intends to return home.
We are still waiting to hear the date that all other claimants in Wolverhampton will move to Universal Credit. All other claimants will transfer at a date to be announced, between 2015 to 2017.
The Money Smart Team are contacting all tenants who are affected by the changes. We can help you work out how you will be affected and plan what steps you can take. This may involve moving into work, increasing your earnings, moving house, taking in a lodger or reducing your household costs.
If you are on benefits, you will be invited to apply for Universal Credit, with two reminders.
Council Tax
Benefit Changes
Wolverhampton City Council is asking for views on its new Council Tax Benefit Scheme. The national scheme is being abolished by the Government from April 2013. One proposal means that all WORKING AGE people will have to pay at least 8.5 per cent of their Council Tax bill and that Council Tax Support will no longer cover the bill in full. To find out more... www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/benefits
December 2012 Tenants Update 5