Latest news with #HousingBenefit
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Warning as six DWP benefits to be scrapped in just one year
Warning as six DWP benefits to be scrapped in just one year The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing to phase out older benefits for millions this year - here's what you need to know The changes are expected to affect millions of people (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People on certain benefits are being encouraged to take action if they wish to keep receiving payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing with the phase-out of older benefits for millions this year. A few years ago, the DWP started transitioning individuals on specific benefits, known as legacy benefits, over to universal credit, which was introduced in 2013. This process, known as managed migration, has been rolled out gradually over several years, with individuals being informed that they would be transitioned and, in some instances, would need to make a universal credit claim. Full-scale managed migration began in April 2023, extending to various regions across Great Britain. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . The six legacy benefits being phased out include: Child and working tax credit Income-based jobseeker's allowance Income support Income-related employment Support allowance Housing benefit Tax credit is the first of 2025's legacy benefit closures. According to the DWP website, the benefit will end in April 2025, meaning recipients must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Article continues below Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for universal credit. Furthermore, the planned transition of approximately 800,000 recipients of income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) alone, or income-related ESA along with housing benefit, has been fast-tracked. This had initially been delayed until 2028/29. The DWP began sending out migration notices to these claimants in September 2024, aiming to inform all individuals in this group by December 2025. The DWP plans to transition all legacy benefit recipients to universal credit by March 2026, thereby completing the rollout and ending all legacy benefits by this date. Article continues below Here is the complete timeline of managed migration: April 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Income Support, Income Support with Housing Benefit, and Tax Credits with Housing Benefit. June 2024: Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. Migration notices were sent to households receiving Housing Benefit only. July 2024: Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. Migration notices were sent to households in receipt of Employment Support Allowance with Child Tax Credits. August 2024: Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. Tax Credit claimants who are over state pension age were invited to apply for either Universal Credit or Pension Credit. September 2024: Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. Migration notices began to be sent to claimants of income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), and those on income related Employment Support Allowance (ESA) without Child Tax Credits. December 2025: The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. The DWP aims to notify all claimants of income-related ESA only, or income-related ESA and Housing Benefit, by this date, a group previously scheduled for migration in 2028/29. March 2026: All legacy benefit claims are scheduled to be closed
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP update for people on PIP due award review after new reforms start next year
Reporting a change in circumstances or nearing the end of the current award will trigger a DWP reassessment. Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall has confirmed a full review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process will not be completed until after proposed reforms are introduced next year. Planned changes to eligibility for the disability benefit are scheduled to come into force in November 2026. Ms Kendall announced several concessions to the welfare reform Bill in Parliament on Monday, confirming that changes to PIP will not affect 3.7 million existing claimants. However, several MPs questioned which set of rules would apply to claimants either reporting a change in circumstances which leads to a reassessment or due an award review. Essentially, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will deliver two versions of PIP - one for claims made before November 2026 and one for those made after the reforms are introduced. Ms Kendall explained that this isn't something new in the welfare system and has been seen before with Housing Benefit, and to some extent the State Pension (pre-April 2016 and post-April 2016). Ms Kendall told MPs: 'Some people have said they are concerned that this will create a two-tier system, but I say to the House, including Conservative Members, that our benefits system often protects existing claimants from new rates or new rules, because lives have been built around that support and it is often very hard for people to adjust. 'For example, some people still receive the severe disablement allowance, which was closed to new claims in 2001. When Labour introduced the local housing allowance in 2008, existing claimants stayed on the old, higher rates of HousingBenefit, and many people are still on Disability Living Allowance (DLA), which PIP replaced in 2013. 'We believe that protecting existing claimants, while beginning to focus PIP on those with higher needs for new claimants, strikes the right and fair balance.' The DWP boss also confirmed disabled people would be at the heart of a 'wider review of the PIP assessment process, led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms. She explained: 'The review will look at the role of the PIP assessment, including activities, descriptors and the associated points, to ensure that they properly capture the impact of long-term health conditions and disability in the modern world. It will be co-produced with disabled people, their organisations, clinicians, other experts and MPs before reporting to the Secretary of State by Autumn next year, and implemented as soon as possible thereafter.' Ms Kendall also clarified that the PIP review is 'not driven by an objective of making savings' but about 'making sure that this vital benefit is fair and fit for the future'. Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft sought clarity on whether reassessments for existing claimants would fall under the current eligibility criteria or the new, proposed criteria where a minimum of four points would be required in at least one of the 10 daily living tasks in order to qualify for PIP. Under the reforms, claimants would still need either eight points for the standard rate or 12 points or more for the higher rate. But this must include four points from at least one section. Ms Kendall responded: 'As is the case now, people can request reassessments whenever they want. Existing claimants will remain under the current rules, unless they request a reassessment, until November 2026. From then onwards, there will be that four-point minimum.' Labour MP for Calder Valley, Josh Fenton-Glynn, also sought clarity on the reassessment rules for existing claimants. He asked: 'As a signatory to the reasoned amendment, I welcome the listening that has gone on, because a lot of people with disabilities will sleep more soundly in their beds knowing that their benefits are protected. 'However, on a specific point, if someone currently receives PIP but their condition is getting worse and they ask for a reassessment of the level of their PIP, will they be assessed under the current system or under the new one?' Ms Kendall replied: 'They are an existing claimant and they will be assessed - let me be really clear about this - under the existing rules.' However, despite the concessions, Sir Keir Starmer continues to face the prospect of a rebellion over his welfare cuts when MPs vote on the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill on Tuesday. Groups including Disability Rights UK and Disabled People Against Cuts criticised the Government's claim that Sir Stephen's review would be 'co-produced' with them and urged Labour rebels to stand firm. They said: 'The Government have made it very clear that they are intent on slashing the support that so many disabled people rely on to work and live independently, no matter how many disabled people tell them what a harmful policy this will be.' Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said her party's MPs would vote against the proposals, describing them as 'not serious welfare reform' and saying ministers had 'watered down the small savings Labour were making'. The original proposals were expected to save £4.8 billion by 2030, but Ms Kendall revealed on Monday that the revised proposals were likely to save less than half that figure (£2.5bn).
Daily Mirror
24-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Parents can get free food vouchers over the school holidays - see if you qualify
The help is part of the Household Support Fund, which is a pot of cash that is used by local councils to provide an extra financial boost to struggling residents Parents in Bristol with children who get free school meals will receive food vouchers over the school holidays. Bristol City Council has allocated funding from the Household Support Fund to help struggling families. The Household Support Fund is awarded to local councils, with the money then distributed to local residents who are on low incomes or in need of extra help. It is down to each local authority to decide what help it wants to offer - but usually, households are given vouchers or cash grants that don't need to be paid back. Bristol City Council has confirmed that families in receipt of free school meals will get food vouchers during all school holidays until at least March 2026. The vouchers will be sent from your child's school by email. If you believe you should be eligible but you don't receive an email, you should contact the school directly. Get cost of living tips straight to your WhatsApp! As the cost of living crisis continues to burn a hole in people's pockets, the Mirror has launched its very own Money WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest cost of living advice and money-saving tips straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Graham Clapp, head of revenue and benefits at Bristol Council, said: 'That's a £15 voucher per child per week for the May, October and February half terms, £30 per child for the Christmas holidays and £90 per child for the summer holidays. That works out at about 60% of the fund.' If you're not a Bristol resident, it is worth checking what support your local council can offer you through the Household Support Fund. For example, Ribble Valley Borough Council is awarding food vouchers worth up to £500 to eligible households that have a combined household income of less than £35,000 per year. You can get a £200 voucher if you live alone, £300 if you live in a households with two or more adults, or £500 for households with children. City of Doncaster Council is providing help to households that are in receipt of certain benefits, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit and free school meals. If you're in a household with one dependent child, you will get a £100 payment for food, while £200 will be paid for two dependent children, and £300 for three dependent children. The council described a dependant child as one you are receiving Child Benefit for. A single payment will be made for energy bills to households that meet the eligibility criteria. Hartlepool Borough Council is awarding £100 food vouchers to all households where a child is aged between two and 19 and is eligible for free school meals. Households with pensioners who are in receipt of council tax support will get £100 in bank payments or food vouchers later this year.
Daily Mirror
23-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
UK households can apply for new £500 cost of living voucher
It is down to each local council to decide how it uses this money to help residents - but usually, the support on offer is either vouchers or cash grants that don't need to be paid back Struggling households are being urged to apply for cost of living vouchers worth up to £500 this summer. The help is being distributed by Ribble Valley Borough Council as part of the Household Support Fund. The Household Support Fund is a pot of cash awarded to local councils by the central Government. It is down to each local council to decide how it uses this money to help residents - but usually, the support on offer is either vouchers or cash grants that don't need to be paid back. Ribble Valley Borough Council is awarding food vouchers to eligible households that have a combined household income of less than £35,000 per year. You can get a £200 voucher if you live alone, £300 if you live in a households with two or more adults, or £500 for households with children. Get cost of living tips straight to your WhatsApp! As the cost of living crisis continues to burn a hole in people's pockets, the Mirror has launched its very own Money WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest cost of living advice and money-saving tips straight to your phone. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The application process is live now on and will be available until July 11, 2025, unless the funding runs out before this date. You won't be eligible if you previously received a voucher from the council between October 2024 and March 2025. If you received a voucher from the council between April 2024 to September 2024, then you will only be eligible for further help after October 2025. If you're not a Ribble Valley resident, it is worth checking what support your local council can offer you through the Household Support Fund. For example, City of Doncaster Council is providing help to households that are in receipt of certain benefits, including Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit and free school meals. If you're in a household with one dependent child, you will get a £100 payment for food, while £200 will be paid for two dependent children, and £300 for three dependent children. The council described a dependant child as one you are receiving Child Benefit for. A single payment will be made for energy bills to households that meet the eligibility criteria. Hull City Council is giving £200 to pensioner households. Meanwhile, low income families will get a £40 school uniform grant, as well as food vouchers in school holidays for those eligible for school meals. Hartlepool Borough Council is awarding £100 food vouchers to all households where a child is aged between two and 19 and is eligible for free school meals. Households with pensioners who are in receipt of council tax support will get £100 in bank payments or food vouchers this year.
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Thousands of renters on Universal Credit can get bill help with little-known scheme worth £600 – check if you can claim
RENT SUPPORT Thousands of renters on Universal Credit can get bill help with little-known scheme worth £600 – check if you can claim Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TENANTS struggling to pay housing costs can tap into support from their local council, but it's estimated thousands are missing out. The financial help is worth an average of £600 as a one-off payment and can be used to cover rent shortfalls, deposits as well as other moving costs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Renters can get help with bills using little-known scheme Credit: PA Councils are allocated a pot of cash of £100million from the government to give to struggling households through the so-called 'Discretionary Housing Payments'. Anyone getting housing benefit or Housing Benefit or the Housing Element of Universal Credit in England and Wales can apply for the help which could be a financial godsend. There's a similar scheme in Scotland which can also provide support for housing costs. If you qualify, you can typically expect to get £601 in support as a one-off payment, latest government figures show - but help can run into the thousands in some cases. Almost one in five payments were used to secure alternative accommodation, according to figures from the Department of Work and Pensions. And one in ten were for help with rent costs while the tenant looks for employment. You can apply if you're are struggling with rent costs of any kind. Local authorities give out the money on a case-by-case basis and the exact amount you could get depends on where you live and your circumstances. The cost of your housing, the size of your family and if you've fallen behind on rent are among the factors taken into account. Housing costs in the capital are often higher than other locations across the country so payouts there can be higher. The amount councils can give out also depends on how many people need it. As there is a set pot of cash for each area, the more people who apply the less money can be given out to each person who applies. And once a council uses up all the funding for the year, it may have to turn down applications if there is no more cash left. How do I apply? If the benefits you're currently getting don't cover the cost of your housing then you may be able to get the help. You need to apply through your local council for Discretionary Housing Payment. The payment is discretionary, which means that the financial support given out is decided on a case-by-case basis. Find out what your local council is offering on their website or by calling them directly. You can't get DHP to cover council tax or service charges. And you won't be able to get it if your benefits are reduced because of an overpayment and that means you can't pay all or some of your rent. What other help with housing costs is available? If you're battling to afford the cost of living, the Household Support Fund can act as a vital lifeline. The financial support is one way for struggling families to get extra help with the cost of living. Every council in England has been given a pot of cash by the government to distribute to local low income households. Each local authority chooses how to pass on the support. Many councils offer the help to households on selected benefits or they may base help on the level of household income. The key is to get in touch with your local authority to see exactly what support is on offer. Many local councils will also hand out free cash, food vouchers and help for bills to struggling families under the Welfare assistance scheme. Some local authorities may offer to put money towards paying your rent. Check what your local council can offer by getting in touch.
