Benefits Latest News

Benefits Latest News

Child benefit disregard from 2 November 2009

Child Benefit income will be fully disregarded in the assessment of Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit with effect from 2nd November 2009. This is an important change meaning that many families who have previously not qualified for Housing or Council Tax Benefit could now receive some help towards paying their rent or Council Tax.

To see if you qualify either make a claim or go to the on-line benefits calculator.

Existing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will automatically be updated to reflect this change to their benefit.

Capital changes for customers who have reached qualifying age for State Pension Credit from 2 November 2009

With effect from 2nd November 2009 the capital threshold is being increased from £6,000 to £10,000 or customers who have reached the qualifying age for State Pension Credit. This means that £10,000 will be ignored in the calculation of Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit.

The effect of this change is to reduce the tariff income included in the calculation of entitlement to benefits.

To see if you qualify either make a claim or go to the on-line benefits calculator.

Existing claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit will automatically be updated to reflect this change and customers will be notified of the change to their benefit.