Helping Hands - keeping you informed

We're doing everything we can to make sure that you get the help and support you need. This is especially important in the light of the Government's changes to the benefits system, which could affect your financial circumstances.

Here is a brief summary of the changes that may affect you:

Incapacity Benefit
The Department for Work and Pensions is making changes that mean everyone claiming Incapacity Benefit will be reassessed and transferred to either Employment and Support Allowance or Jobseeker's Allowance. More information on Incapacity Benefit

Housing Benefit
As of January 2012 if you are single, aged 25-34, a tenant of a private landlord and you live alone in self-contained accommodation, you may only be able to get the shared-accommodation rate of benefit for your home. We have been working hard to keep our customers informed about the changes, including telling those who may be directly affected in advance. Information about housing benefit changes is available on our website.

Having a baby?
There will be less help with the costs of having a baby. For example, from April the £500 Maternity Grant will only be available for a first child.

Child Benefit
As of 2011, the amount of Child Benefit you receive will stay the same for the next three years. Higher-rate taxpayers will no longer be able to claim Child Benefit.

Tax Credits
Working Tax Credit is frozen or cut from April.

Help with childcare costs is reduced from April. Council Tax Benefit, Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance are currently under review and it is likely that rates will change.

Many benefits and tax credits are being cut, but you should also check in case you are missing out on any entitlements.

Where to go for advice and support

There are lots of organisations that have been set up to help people in Manchester . This leaflet gives you information on many local places you can go to for support, and includes developing your skills, saving money, checking you're on the right benefits, and finding a job if you're of employable age. These will make things easier for you and almost all services are free, so don't think twice about getting in touch.

You can also visit the Direct Gov website for moreinformation on money, tax and benefits.