23 November 2023 – from Helen Wild, DSA Benefits Adviser
National minimum wage increases 9.8% from April. This will apply from age 21 and be £11.44 per hour
A note for workers receiving carers allowance
I would advise workers who receive carers allowance and nearing the earnings limit (currently £139 per week) to check potential future earnings and consider putting extra money into a pension to bring earnings below the earnings threshold.
DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) will disregard tax, NI (National Insurance) contribution and half of any pension payment. The earnings limit of £139 may increase in April 2024.
Oher points
The current 12% National Insurance contributions paid on earnings between 12,570 and 50,270 will now be reduced to 10% effective from 6 January 2024.
Benefits will rise 6.7% from April 2024.
State pension will rise by 8.5% from April 2024.
Some private renters will receive more help with rent from next April as the Local Housing Allowance, which was frozen in 2020, has been unfrozen to keep up with rental cost. Renters should receive rent equivalent to the cheapest 30% of suitable private rental property in their area. Each council will have a different LHA (Local Housing Allowance) and you can check your current rate here: lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/Search.aspx
Universal Credit claimants who are not actively looking for work will receive extra job search support and greater penalties if they fail to comply. We have asked for assurances that those currently protected within the limited capability for work – or work-related activity – will not be subject to forced work or sanctions and that they be mutually agreeable to work placement.
Gas and Electricity prices are rising from January.
You may want to access our factsheet on help with the cost of living, which you can download by clicking here.
We provide benefit advice from birth to old age, and help with new claims, reconsiderations and appeals, so please call if you need help and talk to Helen, the DSA 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.