10/03/11……Important advice about changes to Income Support Benefit rules

ADVICE about changes to Income Support Benefit rules has been issued today by Thame Citizens Advice Bureau.

Benefit rules have recently changed so that if you are a single parent who currently gets Income Support and your youngest child has turned seven, you will now have to move to Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) if you are able to work.

The Department of Work and Pensions should write to you eight weeks before your child is due to turn seven, inviting you to an interview to apply for JSA.

However, there are some protections built into the new rules to take account of the particular difficulties lone parents might face in juggling work with the needs of their children.

You will only be expected to be available for work during normal school hours. And you may be able to refuse work if you cannot find suitable childcare or the childcare costs would be too high.

If you cannot work because you are sick or disabled, you may be able to switch to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). If you get Carer’s Allowance or look after a child who gets Disability Living Allowance, you may continue to get Income Support.

JobCentre Plus offers a range of services to help you get back into work. For more information contact your local JobCentre Plus office. Go to: www.direct.gov.uk

For more information about Jobseeker’s Allowance, see Benefits for people looking for work on the Citizens Advice website www.adviceguide.org.uk

If you are still worried, a CAB adviser can give you free, confidential and independent advice on your situation.

To make an appointment call 01844 217186
To talk directly to an advisor call 01844 214827

IMAGE Courtesy of www.thecarer.co.uk