Key News Autumn/Winter 2016

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Money matters

Benefit Cap – are you affected?

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n last year’s budget, the Government announced that they were reducing the amount that a family could receive in welfare benefits. This is known as The Benefit Cap. The new restrictions are due to be introduced this Autumn, and it will mean that for some families, income could be reduced by over £90 per week. We’re visiting everyone who we think will be affected by the Cap to give advice around budgeting, paying your rent, getting some help and coping with the change. If you think you might be affected and we haven’t been in touch with you yet, please contact us on 01724 279900 We’re here to help.

Changes to the Housing Benefit Service

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orth Lincolnshire Council has changed the way they deal with Housing Benefit. Since July this year, they now handle all of their enquiries either online or over the telephone. This is so that they can ensure that the staff member looking into your claim is an assessor who can try and resolve things at first response. In the past, you might have visited your Local Link office to find out about your claim, but the staff at your Local Links can no longer give you any updates. They can still help you with making a claim or taking copies of information you need to provide though. As always, it is your responsibility to make sure that the Council know about any changes in circumstances you have, but Ongo staff will be happy to help you to make your claim wherever we can. Housing Benefit query? Contact 01724 297000.

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In debt and need some support?

We know it’s hard to face these sort of problems, but contact us on 01724 279900 and we can help you. Our Income Team is trained to help you with budgeting to get you in the strongest position possible moving forward, so if you’re struggling with your bills, we can help to make things better in the long term. We have partnerships with local and national organisations too who can help you with any debt problems you might be facing.


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