How benefits are changing
These pages should keep you updated on relevant changes.
How benefits are changing - info page
Universal Credit
If you or your partner are of working age and need to apply for benefit you must apply for Universal Credit. Working age claimants in receipt of Housing Benefit will be moved onto Universal Credit by the DWP by April 2026.
Read more information (Go to Universal Credit)
Mixed Age Couples
This means a couple where one of you is a pensioner and one is of working age. From 15th May 2019 you will need to claim Universal credit. Mixed Age Couples already in receipt of benefit are protected.
Read more information (Go to Mixed Age Couples)
Benefit Cap
The Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can get. The DWP decides if you are affected by benefit cap and it comes off your housing benefit entitlement first.
Go to the Benefit cap calculator here (Go to Benefit Cap)
Extra Bedroom
You may be entitled to any extra bedroom allowance in your Housing Benefit if you are disabled or have a disabled child, you are a foster carer, if your child is in the Armed Forces or if you are a joint tenant.
Read more information (Go to Extra Bedroom)
Protected Rent
Your rent may be protected if someone in your household has recently died your home may be considered too big for you, if you could previously afford your rent without claiming Housing Benefit and now need help due to a change in circumstances, or if you have been living in the same home since 1st Jan 1996.
Read more information (Go to Protected Rent)
More Than 2 Children?
If you receive Housing Benefit and have another child after April 2017 you may not get an extra allowance for them but you will qualify for another bedroom if applicable.
Read more information (Go to More Than 2 Children?)
Universal Credit
If you or your partner are of working age and need to apply for benefit you must apply for Universal Credit. Working age claimants in receipt of Housing Benefit will be moved onto Universal Credit by the DWP by April 2026.
Read more information (Go to Universal Credit)
Mixed Age Couples
This means a couple where one of you is a pensioner and one is of working age. From 15th May 2019 you will need to claim Universal credit. Mixed Age Couples already in receipt of benefit are protected.
Read more information (Go to Mixed Age Couples)
Benefit Cap
The Benefit Cap is a limit on the total amount of benefit you can get. The DWP decides if you are affected by benefit cap and it comes off your housing benefit entitlement first.
Go to the Benefit cap calculator here (Go to Benefit Cap)
Extra Bedroom
You may be entitled to any extra bedroom allowance in your Housing Benefit if you are disabled or have a disabled child, you are a foster carer, if your child is in the Armed Forces or if you are a joint tenant.
Read more information (Go to Extra Bedroom)
Protected Rent
Your rent may be protected if someone in your household has recently died your home may be considered too big for you, if you could previously afford your rent without claiming Housing Benefit and now need help due to a change in circumstances, or if you have been living in the same home since 1st Jan 1996.
Read more information (Go to Protected Rent)
More Than 2 Children?
If you receive Housing Benefit and have another child after April 2017 you may not get an extra allowance for them but you will qualify for another bedroom if applicable.
Read more information (Go to More Than 2 Children?)Share this page
