27 February 2024 – from Helen Wild, DSA Benefits Adviser
Cost of living payments
DWP have issued the final cost of living payment for people who were on a means tested benefit over the Nov/Dec period. This was £299 and should have been paid out from the beginning of February and following 3 weeks. If you have not received this, you can find full information and request payment on the GOV.UK website.
Change of circumstance
Many of our parents have received a leaflet from DWP regarding the need to report change of circumstances. It is always the appointees responsibility to report any changes however the leaflets have alarmed parents in their aggressive manner.
Generally, for our members, this will be change of name, address, bank details, personal change such as marriage or if you go into hospital. Basically, it is to check whether your benefit rate is still correct. In some cases, a change can mean extra premium added to their benefit.
If you engage in permitted work, it is always worth keeping DWP informed if you start or finish a job or earnings change – keep in mind the earnings limit though!
With regard to savings (in your young persons name):
- less than 6k is ignored
- 6k up to 16k – savings are taken into account and roughly £4 a week will be taken off for each 1k over the 6k
- Savings over 16k – means tested benefits will be stopped until the figure goes below this threshold
Redundancy payment is treated as savings and not income. Therefore, if the redundancy payment is less than 6k when added to other savings of the young person, it would be disregarded.
If you have any questions or concerns, please call Helen, the DSA’s Benefits Adviser.
Ring 0333 1212300 or email helen.wild@downs-syndrome.org.uk.
Helen is available on Monday and Thursday from 10am-4pm and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-12.30pm.