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A quick guide to

Welfare Benefits & Welfare Reforms

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A quick guide to Welfare Benefits & Welfare Reforms

Introduction 4HousingBenefit 6The“BedroomTax” 8WhatishappeningtoLocalHousingAllowance? 10WhatishappeningtotheSharedAccommodationRate? 11WhatisDiscretionaryHousingPayment? 12JobSeekersAllowance 14RapidReclaim/JSACommitment/VerbalInstruction 15Employment&SupportAllowance 16WhatisaBenefitSanction? 20WhatisaMandatoryReconsideration? 23TheSocialFund 24TheRegulatedSocialFund 25WhatisaBudgetingLoan? 27DisabilityLivingAllowance 28UniversalCredit 30HouseholdBenefitCap 31CarersAllowance 32TaxCredits 33IndependentAdviceandInformation 34Navigate 35

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If you have any questions, comments or ideas on howwecould improve this briefing, or formore information aboutthecontentpleasecontact:

• JohannaSpeirsatGCVS:01412712302,oremailjohannaspeirs@gcvs.org.uk

• ClaireFrewatGlasgowHomelessnessNetwork01414207272oremailclaire@ghn.org.uk

Introduction This Guide to Benefit Changes and Welfare Reforms is brought to you byGlasgowHomelessnessNetwork(GHN)andGlasgowCouncilfortheVoluntarySector(GCVS).

TheWelfareReformAct2012hadmanyimplicationsforpeopleaccessingthewelfarebenefitssystem.Thisguidewillbeupdatedquarterlytoprovideourmemberorganisationswithuptodateinformationthatreflectsthechangesand reforms as they are being made. This will include implementation ofthefurtherwelfarechangescontainedwithintheUKGovernment’sSummerBudget2015outlinedon08July2015.

Throughout the guide we have included links to extended briefings andinformationresourceswheremoredetailedinformationoradvice.

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Glossary of Terms & AbbreviationsThroughout the guide we often refer to the benefits people mightbe in receipt of by their initials.We also use standard terms that theDepartmentforWorkandPensionsuse.ThisGlossaryisintendedtohelpyouunderstandthetermsandanyabbreviationsweuse.

Abbreviations

TermsMeans Tested – Your entitlement to this benefit depends on theincomeofyouandyourpartnerifappropriate.

Contributions Based –Yourentitlementtothisbenefitdependsontheamountofnationalinsuranceyouhavepaidintothesystem,if/whenyoupreviouslyworked.

Employment&SupportAllowance ESAIncomeSupport ISJobSeekersAllowance JSAHousingBenefit HBLocalHousingAllowance LHADisabilityLivingAllowance DLAPersonalIndependencePayment PIPWorkCapabilityAssessment WCADiscretionaryHousingPayment DHPWorkingTaxCredit WTCUniversalCredit UC

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Housing Benefit TherehavebeenanumberofchangestoHousingBenefit(HB)Rulesoverthepastthreeyears;manyoftheseaffectpeoplelivingintheSocialRentedSector.

What are non-dependent deductions?Non-dependentdeductionsapplytopeopleinthesocialrentedsectorwhohaveanon-dependent(someoneaged18orover)livingwiththem.TheamountofHBawardedtotheclaimantwillbereducedbasedontheemploymentstatusandincomeofthenon-dependent.

Somepeopleareexemptfromthischangeandnon-dependentdeductionsdonotapplyif:

1. ThepersoninreceiptofHB,ortheirpartner,receivesthecarecomponentofDisabilityLivingAllowance(DLA)orPersonalIndependentPayment(PIP),orreceivesAttendanceAllowance(AA).

2. Thenon-dependentisafulltimestudent,receivesatrainingallowanceorpensioncredit.

3. Thenondependantisunder25yearsoldandinreceiptofJobSeekersAllowance(JSA),IncomeSupport(IS)ortheassessmentphaseofEmploymentSupportAllowance(ESA).

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AsofApril2015thelevelofweeklydeductionfromhousingbenefitweresetat:

Circumstance of Non- Dependent Deduction p/w

Agedover25andreceivingISorJSA £14.55

Agedover18andnotinpaidwork £14.55

InreceiptofmainphaseESA £14.55

Aged over 18 and in paid work

Grossincomelessthan£129.00p/w £14.55

Grossincomebetween£129.00and£188.99p/w £33.40

Grossincomebetween£189.00and£245.99p/w £45.85

Grossincomebetween£246.00and£327.99p/w £75.05

Grossincomebetween£328.00and£407.99p/w £85.45

Grossincomeofmorethan£408.00p/w £93.80

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What is happening to Under Occupancy Rules? - The Bedroom Tax

UnderOccupancyRules (TheBedroomTax) still apply topeople inScotlandwholive insocialrentedaccommodationandareassessedashavingoneormoreextrabedrooms.Howeverthereismoneyavailabletothoseaffectedtocoveranyshortfall.

AnyonewhoisaffectedbytheserulesshouldcontacttheirLocalAuthoritytomakeanapplicationforDiscretionaryHousingPayment(DHP).

GlasgowCityCouncilDHPApplicationFormscanbedownloadedbyvisiting:

http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=15006&p=0

IfyoureceivedDHPlastyearbecauseyouwereaffectedbytheBedroomTaxthispaymentwillcontinueandyoudon’tneedtoreapply.

Bedroom Tax ToolkitYoucanappealagainstthebedroomtaxdecisionifyoubelieveitisunfair;Unitehaveproducedahelpfultoolkitwhichcanbefoundhere:

http://www.unitetheunion.org/uploaded/documents/bedroomtaxtoolkit11-17295.pdf

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Bedroom Tax ExemptionsThereareanumberofexemptionstotheBedroomTax:

a)

b)

c)

What is happening to the Shared Accommodation Rate?

If you have continuously claimed Housing Benefit since 1996youareexemptfromdeductions.IfyoufitintothiscategoryandhavebeenpayingtheBedroomTaxyoushouldcontactyourLocalAuthoritytorequestarefundofthismoney.

Ifyouhaveadisabledchildwhoisreceivingthehigherormiddlerate care component of Disability Living Allowance they arepermitted tohave their ownbedroom, regardless of their age.AlsoifyouhavechildwhomtheLocalAuthorityissatisfiedcannotshareabedroomduetotheircondition.

Ifyouareanapprovedfostercarer,haveachildinthearmedforcesorarethetenantorpartnerofsomeonewhoneedsanovernightcarer,thenyouarealsoentitledtohaveanextrabedroom.

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What is happening to Local Housing Allowance?

LocalHousingAllowance (LHA) applies to those living in thePrivateRentedSector.Amaximumamounthasbeen set for LHAdependingon the sizeofaccommodationanditslocation.

AsofApril2015theweeklyLHAratesforGlasgoware:

Shared Accommodation Rate £68.28 (for those under 35 with no dependent children)

1 bedroom £92.06

2 bedroom £116.53

3 bedroom £137.31

4 bedroom £206.03

Ifyourrentisabovetheratesetouthere,orifyouliveinahomewithmorethan4bedroomsyouwillhavetomakeuptheshortfallinrentfromyourotherincome.

Ifyouliveapropertythatislargerthanyourneedsandyouarestrugglingtomakeuptheshort fallyoucouldapply foraDiscretionaryHousingPayment(DHP).FormoreinformationonDHPpleaseseepage12.

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What is happening to the Shared Accommodation Rate? TheSharedAccommodationRateofLocalHousingAllowance(LHA)nowappliestosinglepeople,aged35andunderwithnodependentchildren.

ThisrulemeansthatLHAwillbepaidattherateforonebedroominasharedproperty(£68.28p/winGlasgowatApril2015)ratherthantherateforaselfcontainedonebedroomhome.

SharedAccommodationRatesonlyapplyinthePrivateRentedSector.ThoseexemptfromtheSharedAccommodationRateare:

1. Thosewhohavelivedinhomelesshostelaccommodationforatleastthreemonths.Thethreemonthsdoesnotneedtobecontinuous,orhavebeenspentinthesameaccommodation.Theclaimanthastoevidencetheirentitlementtothisexemption.

2. Thoseundertheageof22whohavepreviouslybeeninthecareofsocialservices.

3. PeoplereceivingmiddleorhigherrateofDisabilityLivingAllowance,oreitherrateofPersonalIndependencePaymentDailyLivingActivitiescomponent.

4. Peoplewhoareentitledtoanextrabedroomastheyrequireanovernightcarer.

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What is Discretionary Housing Payment?

Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) can be made to someone receivingHousingBenefitorLocalHousingAllowance.DHPcanbeusedforanumberofreasons,including,butnotlimitedto:

• ShortfallinhousingcostsduetoBedroomTaxcharges;

• Helpingsomeonewhoismovingfromtemporaryor supportedaccommodationtoapermanenttenancy;

• FundingarentdepositforthePrivateRentedSector;

• Supportingthosemovingfrombenefitstopaidwork.

More information on DHP can be found here:

http://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/300220/discretionary-housing-payments-guide-apr-14.pdf

IfyouliveinGlasgowandneedhelptomeetyourhousingcostsyoucanapplyforDHPat:http://www.glasgow.gov.uk/?articleid=5374

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DID YOU KNOW!

For every £12.50 spent on welfare benefits ONLY £1.00 goes to people of working age!

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Job Seekers Allowance How do I claim Job Seekers Allowance?TherearetwowaystoclaimJobSeekersAllowance(JSA),eitherbyphoneoronline.

Online ClaimsTheDepartment forWork andPensions (DWP) are encouragingmost people toclaimJSAonline.Ifyouareconfidentaboutusingacomputerandtheinternetyoucanmakeaclaimat:

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/jsaol/lp

Telephone Claims TomakeaTelephoneClaimcall08000556688.

Whenyoucalltomakeaclaimoverthephoneyouwillbeassessedbyacallhandler.Iftheythinkyoucouldmakeanonlineclaimtheywilldirectyoutotheonlineclaimform(seethelinkabove).

Ifyoudon’tfeelabletouseacomputer,ordon’thaveaccesstoone,makethiscleartothecallhandler,itmayhelpifyoutellthem:

• Youdon’thavequick,directaccesstoasecurecomputer

• Youdon’thaveanyonewhocansupportyouthroughtheonlineclaimprocess

• Ifthereareanyotherspecialcircumstancesthatwouldmakeitdifficultforyoue.g.readingandwriting,learningorphysicaldisabilitiesetc.

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What is a Rapid Reclaim?If you have received Job SeekersAllowance in the last 182 days (around 6months,e.g.youleftJSAtostartajobbutthejobendedafter3months),youcanmakearapidreclaim.Rapidreclaimscanbemadeonlineat:

https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/jsaol/lp

What is the JSA Claimant Commitment? TheJSAClaimantCommitment isanagreementbetweenyouandyourWorkCoachattheJobcentreaboutthethingsyouwilldotolookforwork.It is important that the thingsyouagree todoare realisticandachievable-ifyouagreetosomethingthatyoucan’tdothenyoucouldfaceabenefitsanction(haveyourbenefitstopped)asaresult.

To find out more about benefit sanctions see page 24. Ifyoufaceanychallenges,orbarrierstolookingforworkitisincrediblyimportantthatyoutellyourWorkCoachaboutthese.

Can Claimant Commitments be changed? Yes–ClaimantCommitmentscanbechangedandifyourcircumstanceschangeyoushouldtellyourWorkCoachassoonaspossibleandrequestthatyourClaimantCommitmentbeupdatedtoreflectthis.

What is a Verbal Instruction? Averbal instructionissomethingthatyourWorkCoachtellsyoutodo. It isreallyimportantthatyouaskforallverbalinstructionstobewrittendown–tomakesurethatyouandyourworkcoachremembertheseandthatyoucan’tbesanctionedatalaterdatefornotcarryingitout.

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What is the Work Programme? IfyouhavebeenreceivingJSAfor3monthsormoreyoumayhavetojointheWorkProgramme.ItismandatoryandyourbenefitdependsuponyouattendingtheWorkProgramme–ifyourefusetoattendwithoutavalidreason,orifyoudon’tkeepupyourengagementwiththeprogrammeyoucouldfaceabenefitsanction.

TheWorkProgrammecanlastupto2yearsandyoumayberequiredtoengageintraining,workexperienceorsectorbasedworkacademies.

Employment & Support Allowance

What is Employment and Support Allowance? Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) replaces Incapacity Benefit, andeveryonewhoisstillreceivingIncapacityBenefitwillbemigrated(moved)overtoESA.

ESAisforpeoplewhoaretooilltoworkandhavenoothermeansofincome(e.g.sickpayfromanemployer)andhavebeengivenamedicalcertificatefromtheirDoctorwhichstatesthis.TomakeanESAclaimcall08000556688.

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What is the ESA Assessment? WhenyoufirstapplyforESAyouwillbesubjecttoa13week‘assessmentphase’,duringthistimetheDepartmentforWorkandPensions(DWP)willdecidewhetherornotyouareabletowork.Duringtheassessmentphaseyoumayberequiredtofillinaquestionnaireorattenda‘workcapabilityassessment’.

Attheendof13weekstheDWPwillmakeadecisionaboutyourabilitytowork,therearethreepossibleoutcomesforyourclaim:

Fit for WorkIfyouarefound‘FitforWork’yourESAentitlementstopsandyoumustapply for another benefit, usually Job Seekers Allowance. If you don’tagreewiththedecisionyoushouldsubmitaMandatoryReconsideration.TofindoutmoreaboutsubmittingaMandatoryReconsiderationseepage19.

Work Related Activity If youare found tohave limitedcapacity forworkat themoment,butareexpectedtobeabletoworkatsomepointinthefutureyouwillbeplacedintheWorkRelatedActivityGroup(WRAG).Thismeansyouwillget an additional amountofmoney (premium)on topof the standardESArateyoureceivedthroughouttheassessmentphase.WhenyouareintheWRAGtherearecertainthingsyouwillhavetodoinordertoreceiveyourbenefite.g. attendwork focussed interviewsor takepart inworkrelatedactivity.Ifyoudon’tdowhatyouareaskedtodobyyouradvisoryourbenefitcouldbestopped.Tofindoutmoreaboutsanctions,seepage25.

Support GroupIfyouarefoundtohaveaseverelylimitedcapacityforworkyouwillbeawarded the Support Group premium in addition to the standard ESAratethatyoureceivedthroughouttheassessmentphase.IfyouareintheSupportGroupyouaren’trequiredtodoanythingtoreceiveyourbenefit.

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What is an ESA Reassessment? ContributionsbasedESAisn’tmeanstested–thatmeansitisn’tbasedonyourhouseholdincomeorsavings–soifyouhavepaidenoughNationalInsuranceContributionsthroughworkyouwillbeentitledtoESAfor52weeks.

If,aftera reassessmentyouare found ‘Fit forWork’oraremovedfromtheSupportGrouptotheWorkRelatedActivityGroupandyoudon’tagreewiththedecisionyoushouldsubmitaMandatoryReconsideration.

Can I get Contributions Based ESA?ContributionsbasedESAisn’tmeanstested(basedonyourhouseholdincomeor savings) – if you have paid in enough National Insurance contributionsthroughworkyouwillbeentitledtoESAfor52weeks.

IfyouareplacedintheWorkRelatedActivityGroupyouwillhavetoreapplyforESAafteroneyear,atwhichpointyourhouseholdincomeandanysavingswillbetakenintoconsideration.

IfyouareplacedintheSupportGroupyouwillbereassessedafteroneyearand, if after reassessment, you are still in the SupportGroup your ESAwillcontinue. Ifyouare reassessedasbeing in theWorkRelatedActivityGroupyouwillhavetoreapplyformeanstestedESA.

DID YOU KNOW!

Only 3% of the money spent on welfare benefits is spent on Job Seekers Allowance!

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What is a Benefit Sanction? IfyoureceiveJobSeekersAllowance(JSA)orEmployment&SupportAllowance(ESA)youcouldbesubjecttoabenefitsanction–thismeansyourbenefitpaymentswillstopforaperiodoftimebecauseyoudidordidn’tdosomethingwhichwouldhavehelpedyoumovetowardswork.

YoushouldappealALLbenefitsanctions.Youareentitledtochallengeasanction,andyouwillprobablybesuccessful.

IfyouaresanctionedandneedmoneyyoucanapplyforaDWPhardshippaymenton03456088545oraScottishWelfareFundCrisisGranton01412761177.

Job Seekers Allowance SanctionsIfyoureceiveasanctiononyourJobSeekersAllowance(JSA),allofyourbenefitwillbestopped.

Thelengthoftimethesanctionlastswilldependonhowseverethe‘failure’isconsideredtobee.g.ifyourefusetotakeajobthatisahighlevelfailureandhowmanytimesyouhavebeensanctionedinthelast12months.

1st Failure 2nd Failure 3rd FailureHIGH 13weeks 26weeks 156weeksINTERMEDIATE 4weeks 13weeks 13weeksLOW 4weeks 13weeks 13weeks

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DID YOU KNOW!

Around 60% of people who have their Employment & Support Allowance sanctioned have a mental health condition or learning difficulty.

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HIGH LEVEL

SANCTIONS

* yourefusetotake,orapplyforajob* failtotakepartinaMandatoryWorkActivity

scheme* misconductissues

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

SANCTIONS

* yourclaimisdisallowed(cancelled)* whenyoureapplyforJobSeekersAllowance

youwillhavetowaiteither4or13weeksbeforereceivingbenefitdependentwhetherthisisyourfirstfailureornot

* Ifyouarefoundtobenotactivelyseekingworkornotavailableforwork

LOW LEVEL

SANCTIONS

* youdon’tattendanappointmentwithyouradvisor

* yourefuseaplaceonatrainingprogrammeoranemployment,skills&enterprisescheme

* ifyouradvisorthinksyouhaven’tfollowedaninstructionormetthetermsofyourClaimantCommitment

Employment & Support Allowance Sanctions IfyouareintheWorkRelatedActivityGroupyoucouldbesubjecttoasanctionif:

a) Youdon’tattendorfailtotakepartinoneofyoursixwork focussedinterview;or

b) Youdon’tfollowaninstructiontocarryoutaworkrelated activity.

Ifyoureceiveasanctionyouwill lose100%ofyourpersonalallowanceandyourbenefitwillstopuntilyoumakearrangementstocomplywiththeconditionsofyourbenefitwithbetween1and4weeksadded,dependingonhowmanytimesyouhavebeensanctioned.

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What happens to my Housing Benefit and Council Tax if I’m sanctioned?

IfyouaresanctionedyourHousingBenefitandCouncilTaxReductionpaymentscouldstoptoo–thiscouldresult inrentorcounciltaxarrears inthefuture.ContactyourLocalAuthoritytosubmita‘NilIncomeClaim’whichwillensureyourrentandcounciltaxchargeismetwhileyouaresanctioned.

How can I appeal against a Sanction? BeforeyoucanappealagainstabenefitsanctionyoumustaskforaMandatoryReconsideration from the office you deal with. To find out more aboutMandatoryReconsiderationsseepage19.

IfyouaresanctionedyoushouldalwaysrequestaMandatoryReconsideration–sanctionsareoftenoverturnedatthisstage.Ifyourrequestisunsuccessfulthenyoushouldsubmitanappeal.

Can I be sanctioned if I’m homeless?IfyoureceiveJobSeekersAllowanceandarecurrentlysleepingroughorinadirectaccesshostelyoucanapplytobeexemptfromsanctionswhilstyoutrytoaddressyourhousingcrisis.ThedecisiontoallowthisistakenbyyouworkCoachanditwillonlylastforashortperiod.

Formoreinformationonthisseetheextendedbriefingat:

http://www.ghn.org.uk/welfarereformpolicybriefing

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What is a Mandatory Reconsideration? Ifyoudon’tagreewithadecisionmadebytheDepartmentforWorkandPensions(DWP)aboutyourclaim,entitlementorbenefitsanctionthenyoumustsubmitaMandatoryReconsideration.

How do I submit a Mandatory Reconsideration? YouneedtocontacttheDWPwithinonemonthofthedatethedecisionwasissued.Youcandothisbytelephoneorlettertotheofficethatissuesthedecision– it isalwaysadvisabletofollowanyphonecallupwithaletterifyoucan.

What happens when I asked for a decision to be reconsidered? When you ask for aMandatory Reconsideration someone in theDWPwillhavealookatyourcaseandthedecisionthatwasmade.ThereisnotimelimitfortheDWPtocompletethereconsideration–howeverwhentheyhavecompletedtheprocesstheywillissuealettertotellyouifyourrequestwassuccessfulornot.

What can I do if my request isn’t successful? If youdon’t get apositiveoutcomeat theMandatoryReconsiderationstageyoucanraiseanappeal.ToraiseanappealyoumustwritetoHerMajestiesCourtsandTribunalServicewithinonemonthoftheMandatoryReconsiderationletterbeingissued.

Ifyouwanttoappealitmaybehelpfultogetspecialistsupport,adviceand guidance fromaWelfareRightsOfficer, tofind someonewho canhelpinyourlocalareacontactGAINon08088011011.

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The Social Fund TheSocialFundhasbeensplitintotwoparts–theScottishWelfareFundandtheregulatedSocialFund.

What is the Scottish Welfare Fund? TheScottishWelfareFundisapotofmoneyheldbytheLocalAuthority,e.g.GlasgowCityCouncil,tohelpcitizenswhofindthemselvesincrisisorinneedofextrafinancialassistance.

Crisis GrantsCrisisGrantsareavailabletopeoplewhoareincrisisbecauseofadisasteroranemergency,e.g.youhavelostallofyourmoney,orhavehadyourbenefitsanctioned.CrisisGrantdecisionaremadewithin2workingdays.Grantscanbeprovided inanumberofways includingasabanktransferorapaypointpaymenttoyourlocalpostoffice.

Community Care GrantsCommunityCareGrantshelppeopletostayintheircurrenthomesorsetupnewhomesso that theydon’thave toaccess,or stay insomeformofcareor temporary accommodation. Applications for Community CareGrants areprocessedwithin15workingdaysandawardsareusuallygiven ingoodsorservices.

To make an application to the ScottishWelfare Fund contact Glasgow CityCouncil’sGrantTeamon01412761177orgomakeanonlineapplicationat:

https://lwa.financialassessments.co.uk/OnlineApplication/Introduction.aspx

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What is the regulated Social Fund?TheregulatedSocialFundiscontrolledbytheDepartmentforWork&Pensions(DWP)andconsistsof:

Funeral Expenses PaymentsFuneral payments are available to people on low incomes to helpwiththefuneralexpensesofaclosefamilymemberorfriend.Tofindoutmoreaboutfuneralpaymentsvisit:https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

Sure Start Maternity GrantsYoucangetaoneoffpaymentof£500tohelptowardthecostofhavingababy.Ifyouarehavingyourfirstchildandareonbenefitsyoucouldbeentitledtothispayment,tofindoutmorevisit:https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant

Cold Weather PaymentsColdWeather Payments are available to people on certain benefits tohelpwith the cost of fuel when the temperature goes below a certaintemperatureforafull7days,between1Novemberand31March,eachwinter.TofindoutmoreaboutColdWeatherPaymentsvisits:https://www.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment

Winter Fuel PaymentsIfyouwerebornon,orbefore5July1952youwillgetbetween£100and£300tohelpwiththecostofheatingyourhomeoverwinter.TheWinterFuelPaymentispaidautomaticallytoanyonewhoreceivesastatepension.

Tofindoutmoreaboutthesepaymentsgoto:https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

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Is there any other financial assistance available to me? Ifyouarestrugglingfinanciallyyoumaywanttoconsiderrequesting

a) Ashorttermbenefitadvance;or

b) ABudgetingLoan

What is a Short Term Benefit Advance? IfyouhavemadeanewclaimforbenefitandarestrugglingformoneywhilstthisisbeingprocessedyoucanrequestaShortTermBenefitAdvancetohelpyouthroughthisperiod.

YoucanalsoaskfortheShortTermBenefitAdvanceiftherehasbeenachangetoyourbenefitsandyouarewaitingforanew,increasedawardtobeprocessed.

ShortTermBenefitAdvancesarerecoveredfromyourbenefitsoveranagreedperiodoftime.

Please Note: It is unlikely you will be offered this service - If you want to apply for this you will have to ask your advisor and use the right title.

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What is a Budgeting Loan? A Budgeting Loan can help you pay for a range of things e.g. a rentdepositorfurnitureremovalservice.Toqualifyyouneedtobereceivingoneofthefollowingbenefitsforatleast26weeks:

• IncomerelatedJobSeekersAllowance• HousingBenefit• IncomerelatedEmployment&SupportAllowance• IncomeSupport• ChildTaxCredit• WorkingTaxCredit• UniversalCredit

Theminimumamountyoucanborrowis£100anditwillberecoveredfromyourbenefitoveranagreedperiod–butnormallywithin2years.

Please Note: It is unlikely you will be offered this service - If you want to apply for this you will have to ask your advisor and use the right title.

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DID YOU KNOW!

Only 0.7% (£1.2bn) of the UK welfare budget was lost due to fraud – around £119bn was lost due to unpaid tax (that’s enough to buy the full Real Madrid and Barcelona football teams 30 times over!)

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Disability Living Allowance

How do I apply for Disability Living Allowance?DisabilityLivingAllowance(DLA)nolongerexistsforpeopleover16yearsold.Ifyouareover16youneedtosubmitanapplicationforPersonalIndependencePayment.

How long will my Disability Living Allowance last? Your DLA award will last until you are invited to a Personal IndependencePayment(PIP)reassessment.Youmustrespondtotheassessmentinvitewithin4weeksoryourpaymentswillstop.

I have a lifetime DLA Award, will I be affected? Yes,even if youhada lifetimeawardofDLAyouwill still be reassessed forPIPandyoumust respond to theassessment invitewithin4weeksor yourpaymentswillstop.

What is a Personal Independence Payment?PersonalIndependencePayment(PIP)hasreplacedDisabilityLivingAllowanceforpeopleovertheageof16.IfyouwanttoapplyforPIPcontact0800917222andrequesta‘Howyourconditionaffectsyou’form.BeforeyoucompletetheapplicationformitmaybehelpfultospeaktoaWelfareRightsOfficerwhohasexperienceinfillingintheform.

Whenyouhavesubmittedyourformitislikelyyou’llbeinvitedtoanassessmentwhere a medical professional will ask you questions about your conditionandassesswhetherornotyouareentitledtoPIP. Beforeyoucompletetheapplication from itmaybehelpful to speak toaWelfareRightsOfficeroraNavigateVolunteerwhohasexperienceinfillingintheform.TofindoutmoreaboutNavigateseepage34.

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DLA | U

niversal Credit | Household Benefit CapIf youwould like to speak to someoneaboutmaking a PIP applicationcontacttheGAINNetworkon08088011011forfreeandindependentadviceandinformation.

Where can I get support to attend an appointment? If youwould like someone tohelp youattendanappointment contactNavigateon01414207272.

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Universal Credit

What is Universal Credit? Universal Credit is a new benefit that replaces existing benefits includingJobSeekersAllowance,Employment&SupportAllowance, IncomeSupport,WorkingTaxCredits,ChildTaxCreditsandHousingBenefitpayments.

Itwill rollout inGlasgow from June2015 -onlyyoung,unemployed, singlepeoplewillbeaffectedatthemoment–althoughUniversalCreditwillslowlyberolledouttoeveryonewhoreceivesthebenefitslistedabove.

Itwillbepaidmonthlyinarrears,toonepersoninahouseholdandyouneedtohaveabankaccounttoreceivethepayment–aPostOfficeCardAccountisn’tthesameasabankaccountandwon’tbeabletoacceptUniversalCreditpayments.

GCVShavepreparedafullbriefingonUniversalCredit,so ifyou’d likemoreinformationpleasevisit:

http://www.gcvs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Universal-Credit-Briefing-FINAL-19-June-2015.pdf

European Economic Area (EEA) Nationals In2014theDepartmentforWorkandPensionsintroducedmorerobustrulesonEEANationals;theseruleshavethepotentialtocauseanumberofdifficultiesforpeoplewhohavecometotheUKfromotherareasofEuropetofindwork.

HomelessLinkhasdevelopedanexcellentbriefingpaperwhichclearlysetsoutthechangesandgivesconcertedinformationonbenefitentitlementsforEEANationals.Thebriefingpapercanbefoundat:

http://www.homeless.org.uk/our-work/resources

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Household Benefit Cap

What is the Household Benefit Cap? TheHouseholdBenefitCapisdesignedtoensurethatnoworklessfamilyreceives more in benefits than an average working household earns.HouseholdBenefitCapshavebeensetat:

£500 per week for couples and lone parents; and

£300 per week for single people without children

TheHouseholdBenefitCaptakesintoconsiderationthemainoutofworkbenefits (JSA/IS/ESA), plus housing benefit, child tax credit and childbenefit.IfahouseholdhasincomeabovethecapthedeductionwillbemadefromtheirHousingBenefitaward.

It is important to note that any Discretionary Housing Payment award is included in the cap calculation.

Those in receipt of Working Tax Credit, Disability Living Allowance,PersonalIndependencePaymentandAttendanceAllowanceareexemptfromthecap.

DLA | U

niversal Credit | Household Benefit Cap

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Carers Allowance What is Carers Allowance? CarersAllowanceisanamountofmoneywhichisdesignedtosupportpeopleaged16+whocareforafriendorrelativelyforatleast35hourseachweek.Youdon’thavetolivewiththepersonyoucareforinordertobeeligibleforthebenefitandyoucanclaimtheallowanceevenifyouareworking.

CarersAllowanceisacomplicatedbenefitandifyoureceiveit,itcouldimpactonanyexistingbenefitsyoureceiveandonthebenefitsofthepersonyouarecaringfor.

How much is Carers Allowance?Carers Allowance is currently £62.10 per week and can be paid to you 4weeklyor13weekly–howeveryouprefer.CarersAllowancecan impactonotherbenefitsyoureceive–e.g.ifyoureceiveameanstestedbenefitsuchasJobSeekersAllowance,IncomeSupportorPensionCreditthisbenefitwillbereducedbytheamountyoureceive inCarersAllowance–howeveracarerspremiumwillbeaddedtothemeanstestedbenefitsoyoushouldstillbealittlebetteroff.

Can I work and still be entitled to Carers Allowance?TobeeligibleforCarersAllowancewhilstworkingyoumustearnnomorethan£110.00perweek(aftertax,childcarecostswhilstyouareatwork).

How can I apply for Carers Allowance?YoucanapplyforCarersAllowanceonlineat:

https://www.gov.uk/carers-allowance/how-to-claim

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CARERS ALLO

WAN

CE / TAX CERDITS

Tax Credits What are Tax Credits? TherearetwotypesofTaxCredit–ChildTaxCreditandWorkingTaxCredit.

1. ChildTaxCreditsarepaidtopeoplewhohavechildrenundertheageof16(orundertheageof20andinapprovededucationortraining).Youdon’thavetoworktoreceiveChildTaxCreditsand,dependingonyourcircumstancesyoucouldreceiveanamountforeachchildthatyouhave.

2. WorkingTaxCreditsaredesignedtohelppeoplewhoareinwork,butareonlowincomes.

GCVShavecreatedanextendedbriefingpaperonTaxCreditstohelpyoufindoutwhetherornotyoumaybeentitled:

http://www.gcvs.org.uk/learning-resources/tax-credit-briefing

34

Independent Advice & Information IfyouwouldliketoaccesssomeindependentadviceandinformationcontactGAINonFreephone08088011011tofindawelfarerightsproviderclosetoyou.

Ifyouneedurgentanddon’tthinkyoucanwaitforanappointmentyoumaywanttodropintoCitizen’sAdviceBureauCityCentreat88BellStreet–youmayhavetowaitawhilebutsomeonewillbeabletoseeyouandhelpyouwithyourissue.

A little extra help to solve problems….with NavigateNavigate isaproject runbyvolunteerswhoare fully trainedtohelppeopleworkthroughanyissuestheymayhavewiththeirwelfarebenefitsorhousing.Navigatevolunteerscanprovide thehelp thatsomepeopleneed toengagewith specialist services, helping them towork towards their own goals andoutcomes.

ForhelpfromNavigatedropinon:

Tuesdays1-4pmorFridays10am-1pmClydeRoom/16aTheAdelphiCentre,12CommercialRoad,GlasgowG50PQ

orcontact:

http://www.ghn.org.uk/navigate

orcall01414207272

35

ADVICE

Got a worry about your housing or benefits?

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drop in to

Every Tuesday 1 -4pm

every Friday 10am -1pm

We are local volunteers

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Navigate

Local Support with housing issues, homelessness, welfare benefits, PIP/ESA assessment, appeals & More...

Clyde Room/16a The Adelphi Centre, 12 Commercial Road, Glasgow G5 0PQ

36WewanttoendhomelessnessinGlasgowandimproveoptionsforpeopleinhousingneed.GlasgowHomelessnessNetwork(‘GHN’)isacharityregisteredinScotland(SC003453)andcompanylimitedbyguarantee(SC112361).

RegisteredOffice:16a,AdelphiCentre,12CommercialRoad,GlasgowG50PQ.Director:Margaret-AnnBrünjes