BENEFITS
Mind the
cap
If you receive benefits, you may be affected by changes that come into force in
November, which limit the amount you can receive.
A
cap was introduced
nationally by the
government in July 2013
to limit the maximum
amount that working age households
can receive in benefits. This is called
the benefit cap.
The amounts the cap is set at – and
also the list of benefits that are affected
by the cap – will be changing this
autumn. Help and advice is available.
WILL I BE AFFECTED?
Those most likely to be affected
are being written to by the
government’s Department of Work
and Pensions (DWP).
You are not affected by the cap if
you or your partner work, and either
of the following apply:
■ You or your partner are eligible for
Working Tax Credit
34
around ealing
Autumn 2016
■
You or your partner get Universal
Credit, and your household income is
more than £430 a month after tax and
National Insurance.
To read more on the benefit cap
rules, proposed changes and cap
amounts, visit www.gov.uk/benefit-cap
I AM AFFECTED. WHAT ARE MY
OPTIONS?
If your housing benefit is reduced by
a small amount per week you may be
able to:
■ Budget to find extra income to pay
the shortfall
■ Negotiate a rent reduction with your
landlord if you are a private tenant or
move to cheaper accommodation. You
may need to look in different areas
where the Local Housing Allowance
(LHA) rates are lower. This will reduce
your housing benefit and hence reduce
the impact of the benefit cap. To check
the LHA rates you can search areas by
postcode at www.gov.uk/guidance/
local-housing-allowance
If the benefit cap reduces your housing
benefit by a large amount per week you
can consider the following options:
■ Call the DWP benefits cap helpline
0345 605 7064
■ Work 16 hours per week or more if
you are single (including lone parents);
or work 24 hours or more per week if
you are a couple. By doing so you could
qualify for Working Tax Credit and
receiving this can exempt you from the
benefit cap.
More information can be
obtained from www.gov.uk or by
phoning the tax credits helpline on
0345 300 3900.