Welfare Benefits

There have been many changes to welfare benefits recently, and more are expected.

If this affects you, let us know and ask us for more information if you have any questions. We are here to help.

We run many workshops on welfare benefits – please ask us for details.

Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit claims can only be backdated up to one month.

This makes it even more important to let the Housing Benefit Office know immediately of any change to your income or general circumstances.

Universal Credit

Your rent will be paid directly to you rather than to BHT.

However, we can advise you on how to ask for payment to be made directly to BHT.

Working Age Benefits

Jobseekers’ Allowance (JSA), Employment Support Allowance (ESA), Income Support (IS) and Housing Benefit will not increase until at least 2020.

It also includes the Local Housing Allowance.

If you need help with budgeting, contact your Income Recovery or Housing Officer.

Household Benefit Cap

The government has reduced this from 2016.

Check with us for details if you are unsure if this affects you.

For further information about this, contact your Income Recovery Officer.