Maidstone Borough Council 3


NEW BENEFIT LEGISLATION How does this affect me?


Central Government has said that from November 2016 the Benefit Cap for households receiving housing benefit and other state benefits will be reduced to £20,000 per year.


This is £384 per week.


If your total weekly income from any of the benefits listed below is more than £384 we will reduce the amount of housing benefit paid to you.  Bereavement Allowance  Child Benefit  Child Tax Credit  Employment and Support Allowance (except where it is paid with the support component)


 Guardian's Allowance  Housing Benefit - unless you are living in supported accommodation


 Incapacity Benefit  Income Support  Jobseeker's Allowance  Maternity Allowance


 Severe Disablement Allowance  Widowed Parent's Allowance


How does this work in practice for households?


If your total weekly income from any of the benefits mentioned was £400 we would reduce the housing benefit by £16.


Paying the difference


The tenant would need to pay this extra £16 to their landlord.


How can I prepare for this change? To help people affected by this reduction in their weekly income we have invited a number of local partner organisations, who can offer advice and assistance with budgeting and debt problems.


Housing Seminar Everything you ever wanted to know about housing…but were afraid to ask


We are hosting a housing seminar on the 3 November between 9.30am and 2pm for all agencies who may wish to find out more information about housing.


What topics will be covered at the event?  Homelessness Law  What to do if your client is facing eviction


 What to do if your client is living in substandard accommodation


 What financial support is available?


Places are FREE but are limited to a total of 60 attendees (maximum 3 per agency).


A light lunch will be provided on the day.


The seminar will take place at Maidstone Salvation Army on Union Street and promises to be a very informative and useful resource for all agencies dealing with any of the topics mentioned.


All places MUST be booked in advance.


To reserve your space please contact Sarah Ward on: (T) 01622 602157


(E) sarahward@maidstone.gov.uk


Anyone affected by this change can contact any of the organisations directly:


Maidstone Citizens Advice Bureau (T) 01622 752420 (W) www.maidstonecab.org.uk Kent County Council Children’s Centre (T) 03000 412323 (E) kentcfis@kent.gov.uk Golding Homes (T)0300 7772600 (W) www.goldinghomes.org.uk


Still concerned?


If you have any immediate questions, please call us on: 01622 602557.


Due to popular demand another date has been added - Monday 14 November at Maidstone Town Hall.


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