Posted by Admin on 6 October 2009, 12:00 am
A major change that will affect families with children who claim for housing and council tax benefit will soon be coming into force.
From 2nd November 2009, child benefit will no longer be counted as income when an assessment is made for housing and council tax benefit. This means there will be a significant increase in the number of people who may qualify for these benefits.
Existing claims will be reassessed and details of any increase in entitlement will be notified to those claimants affected by the change.
Families who previously claimed housing and council tax benefit, and were not entitled in the past, may now be able to receive financial help towards their rent and Council Tax charges. This will give greater financial support to families throughout the Island.
This could include those who recently claimed housing and council tax benefit but missed out because their income was too high. Alternatively, it may be a family with young children that did not make a claim before because they didn't think they would qualify.
Any families who feel they may benefit from these changes are being encouraged to apply. If you would like to see whether you may qualify log on to www.iwight.com and follow the Benefit Service link. Here you can use the Benefit Calculator for an indication of whether you may benefit from this change.
Alternatively, you can call (01983) 823950 to discuss making a claim.
Village
Parish Council