The Impact of Welfare Reform

The Coalition Government in Westminster is now implementing cuts to welfare benefits.  These cuts may affect you.  Below is information on how varies benefits are going to change.   If you want more information please contact our office to make an appointment with Money Matters' Welfare Rights Officer, Suzanne, who runs a surgery on a Tuesday and Thursday.   Alternatively you can phone GAIN, Glasgow's Advice and information Network on 0808 801 1011 And Quote "South West".

Incapacity Benefit - Income Support on the grounds of Disability /

Incapacity Severe Disability Allowance

If you are on one of the above benefits then, sometime before April 2014, you will be transferred to the employment and support allowance.  (ESA)

You will go through a work capability assessment (WCA)

If you fail the WCA, your existing incapacity related benefit will cease: You will have to claim Job Seekers Allowance ( JSA) instead.

If refused ESA you can appeal the decision.  You have a month to appeal from the date of the decision; not from the date your existing benefits stops.

Seek advice as soon as you know the decision to make sure your appeal isn't late.

Lone Parents

In October 2011, the benefits to Lone Parents will change.

If you are a lone parent and your youngest child is aged 5 then you will have to claim Job Seekers Allowance NOT Income support.

Job Seekers Allowance means that you are available for, and able to, work.

Your benefits may stop if you do not claim JSA which would affect your entitlement to Housing and other benefits.  There may be exceptions to this rule.

Housing Benefit

There are changes to non dependent deductions.

If someone lives with you such as an adult son, daughter, relative or friend, then a deduction is made to the amount of housing benefit you receive.

This deduction is going to increase and so you may get less housing benefit.

There are some exceptions to this rule and there may be other help available.

Money Matters will provide you with more info including info on ….

In -work Benefit Checks	Welfare Rights Tribunal Representation	Preventing Homelessness
Debt Problems  including Fuel arrears	Energy Awareness	Financial Capability

To access the service Appointments are available on Tuesday and Thursday between 9.30 am and 4.00 pm. To arrange an appointment phone the main office on 0141 440 2244 or speak to your housing officer.