Get the facts and be prepared
Introduction
The UK Government has introduced the Welfare Reform Act that is
bringing about the biggest change to the benefits system since it
was introduced after the Second World War. This section of the
website provides important information about these changes.
Most of the changes will start in April 2013 and will affect
many people of working age living in East Dunbartonshire who are on
benefits or claim benefits from time to time.
So what will change?
- Housing Benefit (from April 2013)
- Council Tax Benefit (from April 2013)
- Disability Living Allowance (from June 2013)
In addition, from April 2013 crisis grants and
community care grants will be managed by East
Dunbartonshire Council instead of the Department for Work and
Pensions. Also, by the end of September 2013, the total amount of
benefits that working-age households can receive will be capped
(known as the Benefit Cap) and a new single
benefit called Universal Credit will be introduced
from October 2013 to replace a number of other benefits.
The following links provide detailed explanations of the UK
Government’s changes to the benefits system:
If you need help and advice about the changes, please contact
the following organisations:
For Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit enquiries:
East Dunbartonshire Council, tel 0300 123 4510, email
benefits@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
For Benefits entitlement enquiries:
Citizens Advice Bureau, tel 0141 775 3220, email
bureau@eastdunbartoncab.casonline.org.uk
For free, independent and confidential debt advice:
Citizens Advice Bureau Money Advice Line, tel 0141 775
3222, and Money Advice Service, tel 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
For general benefits
enquiries:
Department for Work and Pensions, call 0845 605 7064 or call the
Pension Service, 0845 606 0265
For advice or information about an ongoing
claim:
Jobcentre Plus, call 0845 608 8645