Published: Thursday, 18th February 2016
Cannock Chase Council is warning residents in the District about the ongoing implementation of the Government’s Welfare Reform Agenda and how it might affect them.
In particular there are several changes which could affect benefit claims this year. The Welfare Reform Act was introduced in 2012 and the Chancellor in his budget of July 2015 announced further changes to be introduced in 2016.
The changes taking place include:
Limiting backdating in Housing Benefit: Claims for people of working age will be backdated for a maximum of four weeks instead of the current six months. This could affect someone who suddenly finds themselves out of work.
Removal of Housing Benefit Family Premium: This is being withdrawn for new claims made or children born after the 1st May 2016.
Freeze to Local Housing Allowance: Payable to those who rent from a private landlord, there will be a four-year freeze to rates.
Universal Credit - Roll out in Cannock: Single claimants will get Universal Credit instead of Housing Benefit. The local authority can however provide help with budgeting and claiming on line.
Benefit Cap reduction: The annual cap for families will be reduced in 2016 to £20,000 or £13,400 single adults. This equates to £384.62 p/wk for couples and lone parents and £257.69 for single adults.
New National Living Wage: Starting at £7.20 an hour for workers aged 25 and above, rising to £9 an hour by 2020. Any change in income will affect housing benefit claimants.
Councillor Frank Allen, Housing Portfolio Leader said “There are a number of Government changes taking place as part of the Welfare Reform Agenda, and we are urging residents to find out how, and if they might be affected.”
People can find more information about the welfare changes by logging onto: http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/benefits