Manchester City Council is calling for local residents to check if they are entitled to extra weekly cash following important changes happening to benefits from Monday 2 November 2009.
These welcome changes mean that thousands of local families and older people who already get housing benefit, council tax benefit or pension credit will automatically get increased weekly payments. Also, more people not already on these benefits can now apply and we e urge people to get in touch and check out if they could qualify.
The first change is that child benefit will now be ignored when working out housing benefit or council tax benefit.
This means that families already getting these benefits may get extra money. The Council's Benefits Service will do this automatically and will write to claimants to confirm the new award.
It also means that more families will qualify for these benefits, so those living in the City of Manchester can find out more by going on the City Council's website and using the benefits calculator or by calling 0161 219 6100.
The second change concerns calculating pension credit, housing and council tax benefit for people aged 60 or over with savings.
The amount of savings discounted in the calculation has now increased to £10,000 - and older people already receiving these benefits and with £6,000 in savings will automatically get a weekly cash boost.
Pensioners with savings are being advised to contact the Pension Service on 0845 6060 265 or the Council's Benefits Service on 0161 219 6100 to check entitlement.
Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions suggest that about 7,200 people may benefit automatically from these changes in Manchester, while another 2,600 claims can be successful. Around 1,100 children should be lifted out of poverty in Manchester and the reward for working will improve for families on low incomes.
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Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
November 2010
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