Helen, our Benefits Adviser, has pulled together these key points from last week’s Autumn Statement by the Chancellor.
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Pensions are set to increase by 10.1% from April
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Benefits are set to increase by 10.1% from April
This includes ESA, Universal credit, PIP, DLA and Carers allowance, pension credit, working tax and child tax credit and all elements (except childcare and family elements).
The work allowance within UC is also expected to rise by the same amount. This is an earnings threshold allowance for those who have limited capability for work or who have childcare responsibility. Currently the threshold before deductions start is £344 for people who get help with housing cost and £573 for those with no housing cost. Deductions do not start until the threshold has been reached.
More Cost of living Payments announced
Next year there will be more tax-free non repayable payments to those on qualifying benefit such as income related ESA or UC. The amounts are £900 and expected to be paid in 3 separate periods to be announced.
Pensioners will again qualify for an extra £300 as they have this year for heating
People on disability benefit – PIP,AA, DLA will receive £150 as they did in September.