Welfare Benefit Changes

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The Government is changing the way that many benefits and tax credits are paid, and how much benefit people will be entitled to.

If you are claiming benefits or tax credits now or could be in the future its important that you understand the changes and how they could affect you.

Some of the changes below came into force in 2013, but Universal Credit will start to be introduced during 2015 and 2016.

Changes to Housing Benefit

The Bedroom Tax - Introduced in April 2013. Your Housing Benefit may be cut if you have more bedrooms than the new rules say you need.

The Benefit Cap - Introduced in July 2013. The overall amount of benefit some people can receive will be capped

Universal Credit

The Government wants to simplify the benefits system. In the future, a single 'Universal Credit' will replace most of the other means-tested benefits (including Tax Credits, Job Seekers, Income Support and Housing Benefit).

Universal Credit is being introduced from April 2015 in the areas where we work. Click on the links for more information.

What can you do now?

If you would like more information on welfare benefit changes and how they may affect you, or need some help and advice on managing the changes, please contact your local office or our Money Matters Team .