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How benefits are changing

This page should keep you updated on relevant changes.

Universal Credit

Universal Credit was introduced in Powys from 10th October 2018. If you or your partner are of working age and need to apply for benefit you must apply for 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. 

The social size criteria does affect Mixed Age Couples. This means that when one of the couple is of working age, they will only receive the amount of Housing Benefit for the bedrooms they need. This is often called "bedroom tax". Any mixed age couples affected by the recent regulation changes are encouraged to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to assist them.

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.

Benefit cap calculator

Extra Bedroom?

Are you or a member of your family disabled?

Do you have a child in the Armed Forces?

Joint Tenant?

You may be entitled to an extra bedroom

Protected Rent

Has someone in your household recently passed away?

Could you previously afford your rent?

Pre-1996 tenancy?

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.