|
In and out of work benefits briefing: Guidance only – always seek advice or use the benefits calculator: a benefit calculator to check what people can receive.
- Statutory Sick Pay for employed people: For people who are unwell/sick and unable to work whilst still employed. Not available to people who are self-employed or earning below the Lower Earnings Limit of £123 per week https://www.gov.uk/statutory-sick-pay (For help with rent see further below)
- Contributions based benefits: If a person has recently lost their job, they may be eligible for contributions-based benefits: Job Seekers’ Allowance or Employment Support Allowance, which they can apply for at gov.uk. Their eligibility will depend on their National Insurance contributions – the amount they have in savings and/or their partners’ income won’t be taken into account. (For help with rent see further below)
- Council Tax Support: This is a type of benefit that reduces the amount of council tax needed to pay. The discount you’re entitled to is worked out by looking at your income and your individual circumstances which are explained on this page. If you think you’re eligible, you can make a claim here.
- Means tested Benefits: There are Legacy benefits and Universal Credit, which help with rent and living costs. What a person can receive will depend on their household income, savings and personal situation. For help seek advice or use a benefit calculator https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
- Universal credit:
- Help with rent and living costs; where they are looking for work, a carer, looking after a child, unable to work due to illness, or working and on a low income.
- May be able to claim help even if receiving SSP or Contributions based benefits
- If currently getting a legacy benefit seek advice before claiming
- If need money can request an advance payment
- The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) manages this, so you will need to claim online here or if you need help call them on 0800 328 5644.
- Making a claim for UC will result in any current tax credits and /or housing benefit awards claims ending
- Legacy Benefits:
- Benefits include: Housing Benefit, Child and Working Tax Credits, Income Support, Employment & Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance
- This provides help with rent and living costs, if a tenant’s income goes down or stops they may be entitled to more help.
- If currently receiving this and income goes down seek advice
- No new claims can be made for Child and Working Tax Credit, Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Job Seekers Allowance.
- If a person receives Child Tax Credit and they start working, they can claim Working Tax Credit as long as they work sufficient hours – for further information Working Tax Credit: Eligibility - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- No new claims can be made for Housing Benefit unless a person has reached state pension age, and if part of a couple both must be pension age. Residents living in temporary or specified accommodation such as single pathway hostels which provide care, support or supervision and refuges can claim Housing Benefit for help with housing costs. If they are not claiming any other benefits, they can also claim Universal Credit for help with living costs.
- Change in income:
- If a tenant is currently receiving Housing benefits and tax credits and their income drops, they should seek advice to see if they are entitled to more money.
- Self-employed – could claim contributions-based benefits or Universal Credit unless already receiving a means tested benefit, then seek advice
It’s important that people tell Camden Benefits Service, and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and Her Majesty Revenue & Customs Service (HMRC) about any changes to their income so that they can adjust the amount a person is entitled to, they may be entitled to more money or less. Tenants can do this by emailing [email protected] or by filling in a change in circumstances form. For DWP/HMRC changes tell the DWP about a change to your circumstances here.
Citizens Advice website is here https://www.camdencabservice.org.uk/
It is a fast-changing situation and this information is correct at time of distribution. Use benefit calculator or CAB/DWP website for updates.
Rebecca Harvey
Welfare Rights Team Manager
|