Benefit changes that came into force on 2 November 2009 mean you are more likely to qualify for benefits or could get a higher amount.
If you have children (who you get Child Benefit for) or if you or your partner are aged 60 or over you could be better-off.
The two changes that have been introduced are:
- The amount of savings ignored when calculating benefits for people aged 60 or over increases from £6,000 to £10,000
- Child Benefit income will be ignored completely (disregarded) when calculating Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit
The change for over 60s affects Pension Credit and pension age Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. It could mean your entitlement is up to £8 a week higher than under current rules.
The savings threshold for those permanently resident in care homes remains unchanged at £10,000. The method for calculating the amount of assumed income from savings is unchanged. Assumed income from savings is calculated on the basis of £1 a week of income for each £500 (or part thereof) of capital in excess of £10,000.
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