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About welfare reform
Welfare reform is what the government are calling their changes to the benefits system. There are a lot of changes and you may be affected by one or more of them.
If you are affected we can offer you support and advice on what you need to do.
You won’t be affected if you were born on or before 5 October 1951.
On this page you can find out about:
- The benefits cap
- Non dependant deduction
- Personal independence payments
- Local welfare provision
If you need further information or support, get in touch.
Non dependant deduction
Non-dependant deductions are made from Housing Benefit for non-dependants aged over 18- and from Universal Credit for non-dependants aged over 21- who normally live with the claimant. For example, grown-up sons or daughters and elderly relatives.
You should ensure the non-dependant hands in proof of income to the Housing Benefits Team as this will ensure correct deduction is applied.
The amount of deductions began to increase from April 2011, the first time they had increased for 10 years.
The intention is that, by 2014, the rates will be at the level they would have been at had the rates increased every year.
Non-dependant deductions are taken from the eligible rent. (This is the amount of rent you pay after we have deducted any services that cannot be paid for by housing benefit such as heating charges) before a claimant’s Housing Benefit is assessed. It is then their responsibility to make up the shortfall.
Non-dependant deductions do not apply to claimants who are entitled to either Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, regardless of the non-dependant’s circumstances, or how many non-dependants live with the claimant.
See our quick guide to welfare reform