Important Changes to Benefits

From November 2 2009, child benefit is no longer included in the calculation of housing benefit and council tax benefit.

This means that Ribble Valley families in receipt of housing benefit or council tax benefit may be entitled to more help with rent or council tax payments. Ribble Valley Borough Council has automatically recalculated these claims.

However, families who had previously just missed out on housing and council tax benefit may now qualify and need to contact Ribble Valley Borough Council to make a claim.

Pensioners will also benefit from the change in legislation, as the amount of capital they can own while making a claim has increased from £6,000 to £10,000. Again, pensioners already in receipt of pension credits, housing benefit or council tax benefit will see their benefits automatically amended.

However, pensioners not in receipt of housing benefit or council tax benefit will need to contact Ribble Valley Borough Council to make a new claim.

Further details and application forms are available from the council's benefits team on 01200 414453. There is also a handy online benefits calculator at http://www.ribblevalley.gov.uk/bencalc/wbc-2007.htm

Ends.

Ref: PR510.

Date: January 20 2010.