There are a number of changes coming to benefits from April 2011 including:

• Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates reduced
• Some adults expected to pay more towards the household rent and council tax bills
• £15 LHA top up payment stops
• The 5 bedroom LHA rate is withdrawn
• Claimants or their partners needing overnight care may be able to get housing benefit to cover the cost of an extra bedroom by an non resident carer.
• Baby element of child tax credit is withdrawn
• The amount of increased income disregarded when working out the final award of tax credits fro the precious year, will decrease from £25,000 to £10,000.
• The rates at which tax credits are withdrawn are increased.

Want to know how the changes will affect you?

You can get up to date information at www.direct.gov.uk Directgov provides information on public service in one place including up to date information on the Housing Benefit changes.

For more details about tax credits go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits

Or, phone your own Swan Welfare Benefit Officer on 0300 303 2500