Important Changes to Welfare and Benefits

Some big changes are happening to the welfare and benefits system – now and in the coming months. 

If you receive benefits to help you pay your Council Tax or rent, the changes may well reduce the amount of money you receive each week. There are also changes to how we can help you if you become homeless. 

This guide will help you understand the main changes being brought in by the Government. 

It’s important that you start to understand now how you could be affected, and know where to go for help. 

Spare/Extra Rooms - if you have more bedrooms than you need

Local Housing Allowance Limits - restrictions on the amount of help you can get

Shared Room Rates - for people under 35

Non-dependant Deductions - if you have other adults living with you

Help for Homeless People - changes to how we can help you

Council Tax Benefit  - the way we calculate Council Tax Benefit has changed.  This affects the level of benefit some people are receiving from April 2013. 

General Benefits Changes - a new cap on the benefits you receive, and details of the Universal Credit.

Other benefits changes

This guide only outlines changes to the benefits you receive from the council, and some wider changes to the system in general. 

Other benefits that you may receive, e.g. Working Tax Credit or Child Benefit, may also be affected.

For further information please see the DirectGov website at www.direct.gov.uk or see the help section below. 

Further help and information: 

To see what you could be entitled to now download our handy benefit checker, or try our Online Benefits Calculator for a more detailed illustration. 

Contact us for advice on the number below, or the following organisations can also offer you advice and support:

North East Derbyshire Citizens’ Advice Bureau

Call: 0844 848 9800

email: mail@nedcab.org.uk

Web: www.ned-cab.org.uk

Derbyshire County Council Benefits Helpline

Call:08451202985 

email: welfarebenefits@derbyshire.gov.uk 

Web: Derbyshire County Council Welfare Benefits

Chesterfield  & North East Derbyshire  Credit Union

Secure savings and access to low - cost loans

Call:01246278833

email:info@cnedcu.co.uk

Web:www.chesterfieldsl.co.uk

Mortgage Rescue Scheme

If you’re struggling to pay your mortgage you may be eligible for help

Call:01246231111 

email: housing.options@ne-derbyshire.gov.uk

Web: Mortgage Rescue Scheme