There are many changes to the UK benefits system at the moment which is sometimes referred to as Welfare Reform. This page will be updated with information on the latest changes and also some useful links to other budgeting tools. We also have a range of our own factsheets about benefits which you will find in the related links below.
Universal Credit
Universal Credit will change how people receive their benefits. It combines a range of benefits and aims to simplify the system of making a benefit claim. The benefits that will now be claimed through Universal Credit are:
Jobseekers Allowance (income related)
Employment Support Allowance (income related)
Housing Benefit
Working Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Income Support
At the moment it is mainly affecting new claimants or any Housing Benefit claimants with a significant change of circumstances (see factsheet below for more details). It is now in 'Full Service' across all of our housing areas. At the moment there is not a definite time for current Housing Benefit claimants to be moved onto Universal Credit. We have created a factsheet with everything you need to know about Universal Credit.
The Money Advice Service (MAS) has an entire section of their site dedicated to useful advice about Universal Credit.
Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
PIP is a new benefit which will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) over the next few years. Some claimants have already been contacted about applying for PIP and it is essential you apply when contacted, otherwise your benefits could be stopped.
CPAG has also written a factsheet with useful information about PIP.
